Guardians of the Wild: World Ranger Day Achievements

World Ranger Day is celebrated globally on July 31st to honour and celebrate the invaluable work rangers do to protect our planet’s natural treasures and cultural heritage. These dedicated individuals are at the forefront of protecting wildlife, managing fires, enforcing laws, educating the public, supporting communities, and regulating the sustainable use of resources.

At Wildcats Conservation Alliance, we are proud to support six projects that aim to conserve endangered species like tigers and Amur leopards. The dedication and hard work of the rangers involved in these projects across five countries are pivotal to their success. Here’s a look at the incredible achievements of our rangers in 2023:

2023 Achievements and Impact

Protecting Tigers and Amur Leopards:
The combined projects, supported by Wildcats Conservation Alliance, protect an estimated 258 tigers and 111 Amur leopards. These numbers represent approximately 6.62% of the global tiger population, and 92.5% of the global Amur leopard population demonstrating how vital the rangers are in these areas.

Extensive Patrols:
Rangers traversed an impressive 25,623 km on foot patrols and spent a staggering 84,533 hours in the field. Their presence in these vast landscapes is crucial for monitoring wildlife, deterring poaching, and ensuring the safety of both animals and habitats.

Training and Preparedness:
Training is a critical component of effective conservation and the safety of the rangers. In 2023, WildCats supported the training of 151 rangers, enhancing their skills and preparedness to tackle the challenges they face in the field.

Camera trap deployment:
With 358 wildlife and poaching surveillance camera traps deployed, the rangers were able to capture 96 tigers and 70 Amur leopards on camera. This data is invaluable for tracking animal movements, understanding behaviour, and planning further conservation actions.

Law Enforcement:
Rangers recorded 358 reports of illegal activities within the protected areas. Their vigilance and swift action are essential in combating wildlife crimes and ensuring law enforcement in these regions.

On this World Ranger Day, we thank the incredible rangers who risk their lives to protect our wildlife and natural heritage. Their commitment and bravery make a significant difference in conserving endangered species like tigers and Amur leopards. At Wildcats Conservation Alliance, we are honoured to support these heroes and their vital work and you can too by donating today.