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Due to the devastating economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the salaries of rangers across Africa have been significantly cut and many rangers have been furloughed, leaving their families destitute and wildlife vulnerable and unprotected. With rangers stretched to capacity and international and national borders reopening, protected areas across Africa may experience a rapid increase in illegal poaching and a decline in the well-being and economic security of the communities to whom this wildlife belongs.
The continental-wide collapse of wildlife tourism caused by the crisis has also eliminated essential funding for wildlife protection, threatening to undo years of rangers conservation gains and compromising decades of development and conservation work across Africa.
The Wildlife Ranger Challenge has mobilized to tackle this crisis. Funds raised will cover salaries for at least 5,000 rangers, enabling them to provide for their families, protect communities, and defend endangered wildlifeincluding elephants, pangolins, rhinos, and lionsin some of the continents most vulnerable areas.
Wildlife Rangers across Africa are the guardians of wildlife and ecosystems. Give today, and the Scheinberg Relief Fund will match every dollar donated, amplifying your impact to bring thousands of Wildlife Rangers back to the frontline.
Run with Rangers, Race for Wildlife
More than 50 ranger teams across Africa are taking part in this multimillion-pound fundraising initiative to support rangers across Africas protected areas who are enduring drastic cuts in salaries and resources due to the devastating economic impact of Covid-19.
On October 3rd, teams spanning the African continent will unite to compete in a half-marathon carrying their typical 25 kg backpack and equipment, building camaraderie and raising awareness about the hardship those in their profession currently face.
Lace up your shoes and virtually walk or run with hundreds of African rangers on October 3rd. Start by giving support with a $25 suggested donation, then visit www.wildliferangerchallenge.org/registration to sign up to take part in a virtual 5, 10, or 21 km race.
I have pledged and dedicated my whole life to nature protection. I have carried rations and equipment like a donkey during operations on the frontline. I have slept on hard ground and rock stone as my pillow. Now, through the Wildlife Ranger Challenge, I am joining my counterparts across Africa who have experienced the same to show that we are all in this fight together. - Benson Kanyembo
Tusk is registered with JustGiving in the UK (or GoFundMe.com in the USA). Our online fundraising sites allow you to create a sponsorship form with easy access for your supporters, knowing their money is going directly to Tusk.
UK tax-paying donors can enhance their contribution by agreeing to Gift Aid their sponsorship (for every £10 you raise, Tusk will receive another £2.50 from the Government provided you are a UK tax payer).
US supporters wishing to make a tax deductible donation can do so via GoFundMe.com
You can follow campaign updates on social media with #ForWildlifeRangers - Facebook - Instagram - Twitter - or find out more at WildlifeRangerChallenge.org .