Wildlife Rangers

Thailand and Vietnam

DSWF is proud to have funded Freeland for over 15 years and Save Vietnams Wildlife for four years! We believe collaboration is key to the success of these projects, and we are humbled to be so intrinsically involved with the species-saving work it enables.

These key projects were visited and audited by DSWF in early 2024. Such visits are instrumental to further understand how donations and support is being effectively used within these sometimes-volatile climates, which need constant attention and active protection.

This January, three key members of the DSWF team were fortunate enough to visit DSWF’s project partners, Save Vietnams Wildlife in Vietnam, and Freeland in Thailand. As a part of this trip, 60 Park Directors, Anti-Poaching Rangers, Border Patrol Operatives, Police and Army personnel, Super-Intendants, Chiefs and conservationists came together to share experiences and ideas. Together, a collaborative, innovative and effective action plan was formed to eliminate snares as a threat to wildlife within the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex and beyond. Read the full blog post here.

Zambia

With the backing of DSWF, our partners in Zambia are able to employ 193 frontline Rangers, all hailing from local communities. This support further empowers our partner’s Special Anti-Poaching Unit (SAPU) to gather crucial intelligence through informer networks, facilitating targeted operations to thwart poaching activities within the Release Area for orphaned elephants. By leveraging insider information, the team can strategically deploy resources to intercept poachers, confiscate illegal weapons, and dismantle trafficking networks. This proactive approach safeguards not only the released orphans but also other vulnerable wildlife such as pangolins, lions, wild dogs, and cheetahs, so these efforts contribute significantly to biodiversity conservation.

We are equally as delighted by the progress made in our partner’s Human Rights refresher training for Rangers, ensuring that operations adhere to ethical standards and respect the rights of offenders in custody. Upholding human rights standards ensures that law enforcement activities remain transparent, fair, and respectful, even in high-pressure situations. By instilling a culture of respect and accountability, this training not only enhances the effectiveness of anti-poaching efforts but also fosters trust and cooperation within local communities. Such adherence to ethical standards is paramount in maintaining the credibility and legitimacy of conservation initiatives, ultimately paving the way for sustainable conservation outcomes. Our partner’s track record speaks volumes, with over 1,850 poachers and traffickers apprehended, 750 illegal firearms seized, and 670 successful convictions recorded since 2013. Such accomplishments highlight the programme's commitment to combatting wildlife crime and preserving biodiversity for future generations.

India

The deployment of four K9 dog units strategically across Northern India represents a critical element of wildlife conservation efforts in regions inhabited by tigers and rhinos. These highly trained dogs, stationed in key areas such as the Burhapahar Range, Western range of Kaziranga, Orang National Park, and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, play a pivotal role in protecting wildlife. Under the supervision of trained handlers, they are equipped with specialized skills to detect and track poachers with illegal wildlife products and locate hidden wildlife contraband. Their exceptional olfactory senses and agility make them invaluable allies in combating wildlife crime and ensuring the safety of both wildlife and rangers. By enhancing the effectiveness of anti-poaching efforts and bolstering the security of protected areas, these K9 units contribute significantly to the conservation of tigers, rhinos, and other endangered species.

Namibia

Our project partners in Namibia have been consistently promoting community engagement, with over 95% of their Conservancy Rhino Rangers hailing from the local community. This is an important achievement since these rangers possess an intimate knowledge of the area, culture, and wildlife behaviour. Their connection to the land is hard to replicate as they work to safeguard their natural heritage. This community-based approach not only strengthens conservation efforts but also empowers local communities, promoting social cohesion and economic development while preserving biodiversity for future generations. The rhino ranger program has, in over ten years of existence, proved that engaging and empowering local people in rhino conservation has a significant impact on reducing poaching. A significant milestone was achieved this April, marking 44 consecutive months without poaching in this region, an achievement that highlights the effectiveness of the conservation strategies of our in-country partners. Their success is all the more impressive considering the shockingly high rates of rhino poaching in other parts of Namibia and in neighbouring South Africa. In 2023 in Namibia, 87 endangered rhinos were poached: the highest number on record and almost twice as many as the year before. Poachers killed 61 critically endangered black rhinos and 26 near threatened white rhinos, predominantly in Etosha National Park which accounted for 46 of the 87 rhinos found dead.

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