July 31 is World Ranger Day, which honors the dedication and crucial work rangers do daily around the
globe. The day offers an opportunity to commemorate Rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and
celebrate Rangers' critical work to protect the world’s natural and cultural treasures.
A World Wildlife Fund (WWF) survey reveals that one in seven wildlife rangers (14 percent) surveyed
across Asia and Central Africa have been seriously injured at work within the last 12 months. The results,
part of the largest-ever survey on ranger employment conditions and welfare, come as the official death
toll from July 2017-18 has been confirmed by the International Ranger Federation (IRF) & Thin Green
Line Foundation (TGLF) as 107 – up from 101 last year.
This brings the total number of reported rangers who have lost their lives in the line of duty to 871 since
2009. This episode will focus on the plight of rangers, their passion for their work, why they chose it, and
the challenges they face in the line of duty.
This year, the focus will be shifted to park rangers who are guardians of Nigeria’s beautiful national
parks - to understand their work, their challenges, and how they overcome them.
