Across the world, few have escaped the impact of Covid-19, not least in Africa where the collapse of tourism has had a devastating economic impact, threatening the livelihoods of millions of people, as well as the future of the continent's iconic wildlife such as elephant, rhino and lion.

Money historically raised by tourism conservation fees to pay rangers in some of worlds' flagship wildlife areas is simply no longer there. Prized wilderness areas such as Tanzania's Serengeti, South Africa's Kruger and many more are struggling to pay the salaries of the rangers who are the first line of defence against the illegal wildlife trade. These rangers, and their families, are enduring drastic cuts in their income and resources due to the devastating economic impact of Covid-19 but yet are still working tirelessly to safeguard the continents iconic species at a time when poaching is surging.

The travel industry is coming together to raise funds to support African rangers and wildlife by cumulatively riding the equivalent of circumnavigating Africa - 30,000 kms - starting with a cycle from Lands End to John OGroats (LEJOG) on 15th August.

We're asking all wildlife lovers and cyclists to come together and cycle/bike/run/walk to save Africas unique wildlife and support rangers, enabling them to provide for their families, protect communities and defend endangered wildlife. Join us for all or part of LEJOG or take part virtually. Together we can make a real difference.

All funds raised will go towards supporting the salaries and deployment of African rangers during this crisis. The Tusk fund initiative aims to support 5,000 rangers and has been established with generous match-funding, doubling the impact of every penny given.

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Here's how you support could help!

£20 could buy a ranger a new pair of trekking boots

£25 could fund a wildlife rangers rations for a month

£100 could provide three cooking sets for a rapid-response anti-poaching team

£250 could provide materials needed to build a predator-proof livestock enclosure

£500 could sponsor a 4-man anti-poaching team in the field for a month.