There are many people raising awareness for the plight of our wildlife. Many people, just like me, doing their bit to remind everyone that our wild animals are at risk of extinction. At risk not because of disease or old age but because of poachers. TV campaigns, celebrity endorsements, fundraising, everything is being done to stop poachers in their tracks, but nobody is doing more than the rangers.
Rangers are the face of anti-poaching. They are the ones on the front line, putting their lives at risk every day to protect our wildlife, to keep these beautiful animals alive and protect their future existence.
A number of organisations are helping to raise awareness of the risks these rangers take every day. We may think there isn't much we can do to show our appreciation of their bravely, selflessness and determination but there is....and you can do it from the comfort of your living room!
United for Wildlife is a partnership of seven of the world's preeminent conservation organisations which seek to tackle the illegal wildlife trade. They are working with the Southern African Wildlife College to send messages of support to rangers. So go on - why not click here and leave a message of support safe in the knowledge it will get passed on to these often unsung heroes.
United for Wildlife also have an innovative 'We are the Rangers' project and have developed an interactive game for you to play and learn about conservation along the way. Set in the African Savannah the game highlights the real threats and challenges rangers face every day, whilst also teaching you about conservation. This is a great way to engage the younger generations before it is too late.
Another charity focusing on supporting the rangers is Veterans4Wildlife. Veterans4Wildlife does a lot to help - from training rangers and raising funds to support volunteers through to fixing the underlying causes of poaching by working with local communities. Veterans4Wildlife use highly skilled and knowledgable veterans to train rangers.
One project Veterans4Wildlife have coming up is Project Black Mambas. The Black Mambas is the first all-female anti-poaching unit. Two female veterans are going to be supporting them by passing on their skills and knowledge while they are embedded in the unit. What's not to like.....girl power, veterans, knowledge sharing and conservation in action!
Finally, Tusk have recently held their annual Conservation Awards ceremony. The awards celebrate extraordinary contributions to conservation. The winner of this years Wildlife Ranger Award was Manuel Sacaia. Read Manuel's inspirational story here.
If these stories make you want to do more join the fight. Believe me there are PLENTY of organisations that need you!!
