SEO Riders:
- – Sixth annual Challenge spotlights rangers as defenders of biodiversity, climate, and community wellbeing.
– Over 170 teams from 24 countries to run 21 km in full gear, raising funds and awareness.
– Event aligned with African Ranger Congress to advance professional standards and ranger welfare.
Organizers Tusk and the Game Rangers Association of Africa (GRAA) launched the 2025 Wildlife Ranger Challenge on 22 July, marking the sixth edition of this pan-African event designed to celebrate rangers as frontline leaders in conservation and community resilience. Africa’s nearly 60,000 rangers—who serve as educators, peacekeepers, emergency responders, and ecosystem custodians—will unite in a multi-month campaign culminating on 20 September, when more than 170 teams from 24 countries will each complete a 21 km race fully stocked with 22 kg backpacks to symbolise the physical adversity of daily ranger life.
The Challenge also raises vital funds—over US $21 million to date—supporting ranger welfare, training, insurance, equipment, and innovation. This year’s event runs alongside the African Ranger Congress*(17–21 September at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya), where policy dialogue will focus on professionalisation, improved employment standards, and long-term investment in ranger roles. As Tusk CEO Nick Bubb explained, “Rangers are central to the future of our planet,” and the Challenge not only honours their courage but also calls the global community to run with them, fund them, and tell their stories.
