Conservation South Luangwa - Wildlife Ranger Challenge 2024

Rangers are Africa’s unsung heroes. They hold diverse roles as conservationists, teachers, community support workers, leaders and much more.

The Wildlife Ranger Challenge, organised by Tusk, is a celebration of solidarity, connection and camaraderie for the ranger profession. Culminating on 21st September 2024, the campaign raises vital funds for Africa's biodiversity guardians.

Situated in a wide rift valley in eastern Zambia, South Luangwa National Park stretches over 9,000 km2 of largely intact wilderness. The Luangwa Valley ecosystem is home to the country’s largest population of elephants, leopards, and wild dogs, and is one of 10 remaining lion strongholds on the continent.

Although South Luangwa supports a wide variety of species, poaching remains a significant threat. CSL practices a multi-faceted approach to wildlife resource management and protection, working in collaboration with Zambia's Department of National Parks and Wildlife to implement counter trade/trafficking measures including anti-poaching foot patrols, aerial surveillance, sniffer dog detection and tracking work, alongside direct community engagement.

The WRC has helped fund salaries, uniforms, equipment, and delivery of intensive training for over 100 scouts, enabling them to continue patrolling and protecting the wildlife of the Luangwa Valley. In 2024, support from WRC will help to improve strategic operations to apprehend wildlife crime suspects before crimes are committed, strengthen CSL’s aerial surveillance and provide salaries, equipment, training and welfare.