World Ranger Day: Honoring Rangers' Sacrifice
World Ranger Day is celebrated on 31 July every year, commemorating rangers killed or injured in the line of duty. It also celebrates the work rangers do to protect the world's natural and cultural heritage.
Rangers powering transformative conservation
The theme for this year, 'Rangers Powering Transformative Conservation', highlights the important role rangers play in delivering global targets such as the Sustainable Development Goals and niche conservation targets, including the Global Biodiversity Framework Target 3, which seeks to successfully protect 30% of the planet by 2030.
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George will lead the 2025 World Ranger Day commemoration at Table Mountain Park, hosted by the South African National Parks (SanParks).
ALSO READ: Oscar-nominated 'The Last Ranger' highlights endangered rhinos and South Africa's poaching crisis
Frontline heroes
Rangers put their lives on the line to lead the protection of our planet's natural resources. They often combine traditional knowledge with modern technology to revolutionise how the planet is protected.
The risks rangers face remain deeply sobering. In the past year, homicide was the leading cause of death globally; 49 people were killed while working in crisis zones or confronting poaching and armed militia. 32 lost their lives to animal attacks, 21 to vehicle accidents, 36 to occupational incidents, and 37 to illness while on duty.
A typical day in a ranger's life on duty usually includes patrolling grounds to ensure there are no poachers in the vicinity. In most instances, they cover more than 5km on foot and by horse daily.
Poachers are not the only danger; they also encounter animals that tend to attack.
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The Citizen
6 days ago
- The Citizen
World Ranger Day: Honoring Rangers' Sacrifice
World Ranger Day marks global celebration of rangers' dedication to conservation. World Ranger Day is celebrated on 31 July every year, commemorating rangers killed or injured in the line of duty. It also celebrates the work rangers do to protect the world's natural and cultural heritage. Rangers powering transformative conservation The theme for this year, 'Rangers Powering Transformative Conservation', highlights the important role rangers play in delivering global targets such as the Sustainable Development Goals and niche conservation targets, including the Global Biodiversity Framework Target 3, which seeks to successfully protect 30% of the planet by 2030. Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George will lead the 2025 World Ranger Day commemoration at Table Mountain Park, hosted by the South African National Parks (SanParks). ALSO READ: Oscar-nominated 'The Last Ranger' highlights endangered rhinos and South Africa's poaching crisis Frontline heroes Rangers put their lives on the line to lead the protection of our planet's natural resources. They often combine traditional knowledge with modern technology to revolutionise how the planet is protected. The risks rangers face remain deeply sobering. In the past year, homicide was the leading cause of death globally; 49 people were killed while working in crisis zones or confronting poaching and armed militia. 32 lost their lives to animal attacks, 21 to vehicle accidents, 36 to occupational incidents, and 37 to illness while on duty. A typical day in a ranger's life on duty usually includes patrolling grounds to ensure there are no poachers in the vicinity. In most instances, they cover more than 5km on foot and by horse daily. Poachers are not the only danger; they also encounter animals that tend to attack.
The Citizen
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Three suspected rhino poachers arrested in Paulpietersburg, KZN
The poachers were found in possession of two unlicensed rifles and a rhino horn. Police have arrested three suspected rhino poachers in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The rhino poachers, aged 34 and 50 years old, were handcuffed in Paulpietersburg in the early hours of Saturday morning, 26 July 2025. Rhino poaching Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza said the poachers were found in possession of two unlicensed rifles and a rhino horn. 'It is reported that in the early hours of Friday morning, the three suspects, who were wearing face-concealing masks, entered a game reserve, and accosted two security guards, tied them up and robbed them of a shotgun, an R5 assault rifle, as well as their cellphones. 'They then proceeded to shoot a rhino and remove its horn. Whilst busy with their criminal activity, they were distracted by the sound of an alarm which had been activated. They fled the scene, leaving behind the shotgun next to the rhino carcass,' Magwaza said. Picture: Saps ALSO READ: Foreign nationals sentenced for rhino poaching conspiracy in SA Arrest Magwaza said officers were alerted of the incident, and they responded swiftly. 'Upon their arrival at the scene, the suspects had already fled the game reserve. Police members, together with private security personnel, worked tirelessly throughout the day looking for the suspects. With assistance from community members, the suspects were eventually arrested as they took refuge in the bush. 'In their possession was an R5 rifle, a 303 rifle, and a rhino horn. The vehicle in which they were travelling was seized by the police. The suspects were charged with armed robbery, rhino poaching, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition,' Magwaza said. The rhino poachers are expected to appear at the Vryheid Magistrates' Court on Monday, 28 July 2025. 'The Last Ranger' Meanwhile, an Oscar-nominated short film 'The Last Ranger' has highlighted the scourge surrounding endangered rhinos and South Africa's poaching crisis while exploring the emotional and ecological realities of rhino poaching in the country. Based on true events and told largely in isiXhosa, The Last Ranger follows Khuselwa, a committed game ranger in the Eastern Cape, and Litha, a curious young Xhosa girl who becomes her apprentice. Together, they represent two generations grappling with the dangers of poaching and the cultural weight of protecting one of the world's most endangered animals, the rhino. 'This isn't just a film; it's a window into a world many of us rarely see,' said Maluṱa Netshaulu, head of social impact portfolio development at Nedbank, who spoke at the premiere. ALSO READ: SA is in the forefront of saving rhinos from poaching
IOL News
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WSAR responds to 5 hiker rescues across Western Cape in just 48 hours
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