Wildlife Conservation Zambia Project #40137

Wildlife Rangers

by David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation

Project Report | Dec 17, 2025
Wildlife Rangers - December Update

By Camilla Capel | Fundraising and Events Executive

As 2025 comes to a close, we’re excited to share updates on the impact of your support on some of the Wildlife Rangers DSWF is proud to work with. It has truly been a year of achievements in wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and habitat protection.

Rhinos – In India, playing a critical role in the protection of Rhinos, our field partners report three K9 sniffer dog units are now able to respond to emergencies 24 hours a day in rhino habitats, supported by a round-the-clock information network for law enforcement. These incredible dogs— Veera in Kaziranga, Harley in Burapahar, and Nova in Nagaon—play a vital role in anti-poaching efforts. In sad news, however, after undergoing a successful splenectomy in September and returning to active service, eight-year-old K9 Jubi passed away. She provided years of outstanding service in fighting wildlife crime and poaching in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve. A huge loss for the entire team.

Painted Dogs – In Zimbabwe,the remarkable growth of the Umkhonto pack—from just 6 individuals to 25 strong—is the result of extraordinary dedication by our field partner’s rangers. Over the past three years, our partners have worked tirelessly to keep this pack of dogs safe from poaching and road accidents, often going to incredible lengths. They physically moved the pack away from poaching hotspots and dangerous roads, even escorting them across high-risk routes like the Bulawayo to Victoria Falls Road to prevent fatalities. To make the landscape safer, they installed road signs and built speed bumps near Hwange National Park to slow traffic. They also harnessed technology by deploying solar-powered GPS collars, developed with partners, to monitor movements and respond quickly to threats. When poaching pressure intensified, the team created a “virtual fence,” cleared thousands of snares, and mobilized more than 70 scouts to secure the area, turning it into a recognized no-go zone for poachers. Even during critical times, such as when females were heavily pregnant, rangers prioritized safety and moved packs to secure areas despite immense challenges.

This unwavering commitment has led to eight pups being born safely and a thriving pack that symbolizes hope for the species. Your support empowers these frontline heroes to continue their life-saving work and create an environment where painted dogs can flourish for generations to come.

Elephants – In Zambia, our field partner rangers put themselves on the frontline to protect elephants, secure habitats, and keep communities safe from illegal wildlife crime. Their courage and commitment are extraordinary—and your support makes it possible.

Over the past six months, rangers have delivered 3,336 patrol days, covering more than 10,000 km to safeguard critical areas. They carried out 150 patrols, recovering five illegal firearms through intelligence-led operations, and dedicated 540 patrol days to protect the Elephant Release Facility in Kafue—giving orphaned elephants the chance to thrive in safety. Training has been a priority too, with 232 days focused on First Aid and Human Rights, and 23 aviation training days reviving aerial surveillance with a DSWF-funded aircraft.

A priority for our partners is investing in ranger welfare. A new 20-unit accommodation block has boosted morale and living conditions, while full kits and equipment ensure safety and efficiency in the field. The team has even launched Zambia’s first Ranger Welfare Forum, a platform to champion wellbeing and recognition.

Their excellence hasn’t gone unnoticed. Rangers proudly secured 1st place in Zambia in the Wildlife Ranger Challenge and celebrated World Ranger Day at Lusaka National Park—a testament to their dedication and skill.

But challenges remain. Delayed funding has strained operations, aging vehicles need urgent replacement, and rising human-wildlife conflict is stretching resources thin. Despite these hurdles, rangers continue to stand strong for wildlife. Every donation strengthens ranger capacity, provides better training and equipment, and improves living conditions for those who risk their lives daily.

Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to protecting and empowering Wildlife Rangers across Africa and Asia.

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Aug 21, 2025
Wildlife Rangers - August Update

By Eleanor E | Individual Giving Executive

This summer, we’re delighted to share a glimpse into the vital work of wildlife rangers that your support makes possible, and the effects that this has for India’s wildlife and the communities who live alongside them.

On the frontlines of rhino protection, our four DSWF-supported K9 sniffer dog units continue to play a vital role. Each team made up of a highly trained dog and their dedicated handler is now strategically stationed in key rhino-bearing areas across Assam. These include Orang National Park, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary and multiple ranges of Kaziranga National Park. Working alongside forest officials, police and the Special Rhino Protection Force, these K9 units carry out joint patrols and enforcement operations, helping deter illegal activity and respond rapidly when threats emerge.

In the heart of Kaziranga, August marks a dramatic seasonal shift as we enter the peak monsoon season. The monsoon rains swell the rivers of Kaziranga, flooding large parts of the park and triggering sweeping movements of wildlife. Deer, rhinos and elephants amongst plenty more seek higher ground, and tigers, ever adaptable, follow their prey into these new areas. These conditions can increase the chances of human-wildlife conflict, particularly around the park’s fringes, where displaced animals pass close to villages and farmland. Our support ensures rangers and rapid response teams are ready, trained and equipped to step in, helping prevent conflict and protect both people and big cats.

Tigers in this season often become more elusive, seeking shelter in the dense undergrowth left lush and thick by the rains. The abundance of water and cover supports a spike in prey availability, and females with cubs take advantage of this temporary richness to feed and raise their young. Monitoring tigers during the monsoon requires skill, patience and deep knowledge of the landscape, all of which your generosity helps to sustain through ranger patrols and field-based research.

None of this work would be possible without you. From the majestic rhino to the elusive tiger, your support is equipping rangers with the equipment and knowledge to protect wildlife at every stage of life, from the youngest calf to the oldest bull. Thank you for standing with us and for making a tangible difference in the work of Wildlife Rangers.

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Apr 11, 2025
Wildlife Rangers - April Update

By Eleanor E | Individual Giving Executive

Zimbabwe: Protecting Painted Dogs

DSWF continues to support anti-poaching efforts in Hwange, focusing on patrols and education. This year, 1,000 anti-poaching patrols will be carried out across the Core Operating Area and surrounding buffer zones outside Hwange National Park, including by our partners' own Anti-Poaching Unit (APU) and the Mabale Community Anti-Poaching Units (MCAPU). APU teams will complete a minimum of 50 patrols per month, while MCAPU will conduct at least 20. These patrols will cover 6,000 km², removing snares targeting wildlife of all sizes, from birds to elephants, for the illegal bushmeat trade. The project also maintains a small but effective network of informants whose intelligence has led to the arrest of over 20 poachers. Coordination with local authorities continues to ensure poachers are prosecuted effectively.

Zambia: Protecting Elephants

This year DSWF will continue to support the Special Anti-Poaching Unit (SAPU), which undertakes targeted strike operations in response to intelligence from informant networks. These operations aim to protect the Elephant Release Area, safeguarding released orphans and other wildlife including pangolins, lions, wild dogs, and cheetahs. SAPU will conduct 20,000 ranger patrol days across an expanded area of at least 30,000 km². To support their work, 100 rangers will receive training to enhance law enforcement operations and intelligence gathering. Human rights refresher sessions will also be delivered to ensure all offenders are treated lawfully.

Thailand: Protecting Tigers

Anti-poaching remains at the core of conservation work in Thailand’s Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex, a key refuge for wild tigers. At least 600 ranger patrols are planned in Ta Phaya National Park over this period, aimed at tackling persistent threats such as snaring, illegal logging, and unsustainable harvesting of forest products. Twenty rangers will receive training in patrol tactics and the use of GSM cameras to capture evidence of illegal activity. A focus on improved data analysis will support regular patrol reviews to refine strategies. Refresher training in SMART data collection and the setting of camera traps will also be provided to support ongoing wildlife and tiger monitoring.

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