Wildlife Rangers

As 2024 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. 

Rangers Protecting Rhinos 

This year marks a decade of the Community Rhino Ranger Programme (CRRP) in Namibia, a pioneering initiative now comprising over 70 dedicated rangers, including 20 inspirational female rangers. As drought and poaching continue to threaten black rhino populations, these rangers are a vital frontline defence. We’re proud to support their welfare through first aid training and well-stocked kit bags, ensuring they are safe while out protecting wildlife.   

Rangers Protecting Painted Dogs  

An Anti-Poaching Unit (APU), established in Zimbabwe in 2001 with DSWF’s support, has been instrumental in ensuring success. In the past six months alone, the team conducted 1,115 foot patrols, covering an astounding 16,093 kilometres, and spent over 6,000 hours protecting wild dogs. During these efforts, 12 poachers were apprehended, and the lives of countless wild animals were safeguarded through snare removal and habitat protection. Despite the harsh terrain, extreme temperatures, and ever-present dangers, our 26-member APU remains unwavering in their commitment to Zimbabwe’s wildlife. 

Rangers Protecting Elephants  

In the latter half of this year, rangers in Zambia covered over 44,280 kilometres across the Greater Kafue ecosystem to prevent illegal activities and protect vulnerable wildlife. Their dedication has resulted in the apprehension of 36 individuals involved in illegal wildlife activities, with 33 convictions secured. Additionally, 830 kilograms of bushmeat was confiscated, along with 34 illegal firearms, and 377 wire snares. These efforts, combined with recruitment of 12 new scouts, a pilot and operations manager, have significantly enhanced capacity to safeguard these precious landscapes. 

Human-wildlife conflict remains one of the toughest challenges facing elephants under in Zambia, with teams responding to 116 over the last few months. Thanks to your support, we’ve been able to work closely with local farmers, helping them adopt safe deterrence methods.  

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

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Zimbabwe Update

As summer comes to an end in Zimbabwe, our partner’s anti-poaching rangers are playing a crucial role in safeguarding the Painted Dog population of Hwange National Park. Vigilant monitoring and protection efforts in the buffer zone outside Hwange National Park have been instrumental in protecting the Umkhonto pack. The Umkhonto pack continues to, and their ability to maintain pack size and ensure habitat safety is a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of the ranger patrols and Anti-poaching units in this zone.

The Anti-Poaching Unit also helps monitor other packs, such as the Nyamepi pack, during sensitive times like the mating and denning seasons. Their presence helps prevent disturbances, such as safari operators coming too close and causing stress to pregnant females and young pups. Thanks to these rangers, no incidents have been reported this season, allowing the packs to continue their natural behaviours undisturbed.

Namibia Update

The recent rhino poaching incident is a deeply upsetting event that highlights the ongoing challenges we face in protecting these majestic animals. Despite our dedicated efforts to safeguard wildlife, this tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present threats that continue to endanger rhinos in the region. Our partner’s team, composed of 44 full-time staff members—90% of whom are from the local community—alongside 70 Conservancy Rhino Rangers, has been working tirelessly to prevent such occurrences. These rangers, of whom 95% are also local, are at the frontline of our conservation efforts, striving to create a safe environment for rhinos and other wildlife.

The expansion of the rhino ranger programme into new areas has been a crucial step forward. With a vehicle and a dedicated driver assigned to the North-East landscape of the Nyae Nyae conservancy, the rangers are fully active in their mission. However, despite these advancements, the poaching incident highlights the need for even greater vigilance and stronger measures. We are resolute in our commitment to ensuring that such a tragedy does not happen again, and we are redoubling our efforts to protect Namibia’s rhinos.

Russia Update

David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) has been dedicated to Amur tiger conservation since 1994. In 1998, our efforts were strengthened with the creation of the Phoenix Fund by Sergei Bereznuk, allowing us to provide nearly 30 years of support for the Amur tiger, whose population has seen slight growth and stabilization over time.

However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 brought significant challenges, including increased risks of corruption and state interference, due to sanctions on Russian entities. Despite DSWF's experience and strong networks, state intervention ultimately forced the Phoenix Fund to cease operations. Through careful planning, we ensured our support ended securely.

Despite the turbulent political and economic climate, the last five years have seen significant achievements by our partner’s rangers. In this time, over 1,000,000 km of foot and motorised ranger patrols were conducted to protect the Amur tiger.