By Nathaniel Alfred Lahai – Rangers Coordinator
Every day rangers around the world dedicate their lives to protect wildlife and wild species that face critical threats. On July 31st each year, we join the world in celebrating World Ranger Day, the anniversary of the founding of The International Ranger Federation, an organization that supports the work of rangers as the key protectors of parks and conservation.
In the heart of nature’s most pristine environments, where the dense canopy of trees whisper secrets of centuries past and the air is thick with the scent of bitter cola, rangers from the National Protected Area Authority (NPAA) and Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary eco-guards work tirelessly to protect and preserve national parks of Sierra Leone.
Forests are some of the richest areas for biodiversity on the globe, they provide a variety of habitats for micro-organisms, plants and animals including the Western chimpanzee, Sierra Leone’s national animal and a critically endangered species. Forests provide an important regulating ecosystem service; i.e. they absorb and store carbon from the atmosphere which helps to mitigate global warming. Forests also serve as important water storage and filtration systems.
Forest rangers, the unsung heroes of conservation, whose efforts ensure that our forests remain vibrant, healthy, and teeming with life, are conservation officers that play a critical role in the management and preservation of our forest ecosystems in Sierra Leone.
Their duties are diverse and challenging, often involving a blend of fieldwork, patrolling, public education, and enforcement of conservation laws. Some rangers are based at Tacugama, in the heart of the Western Area Peninsula National Park (WAPNP), a protected forest reserve in Freetown, a rare and valuable resource growing in the heart of the country’s capital. Tacugama also trains eco-guards and works with the NPAA around the country including in the Loma Mountains National Park, Jaibui, Tonkolili and Outamba Kilimi National Park.
On a daily outing, a forest ranger might be found; tracking the health and movements of various species found in the country to gather unique data on forest conditions, wildlife populations and the impacts of climate change using SMART applications and various bio-monitoring tools, upholding regulations related to hunting, fishing, and land use to prevent illegal activities such as poaching and deforestation activities, preventing and controlling wildfires through strategic planning, controlled burns, and emergency responses, engaging with the public to raise awareness about the importance of conservation and sustainable practices, facilitate hiking activities with tourists to witness the beautiful sites the country has to offer, and gathering data on forest conditions, wildlife populations, and the impacts of climate change.
The threat of wildfires and especially in the dry season, encounters with wildlife, and exposure to extreme weather conditions are just a few of the dangers rangers face on the job in Sierra Leone. Moreover, they frequently deal with human challenges as well, addressing issues such as illegal logging, poaching, bush burning and land encroachments, which can sometimes lead to difficult confrontations.
Despite the challenges they encounter, the rewards of being a forest ranger are immense. They have the opportunity to work in some of the most beautiful and pristine natural environments, from natural waterfalls hidden in forest coves in the WAPNP to the peak of one of the highest mountain in West Africa, Bintumani.
Rangers experience the satisfaction of making a tangible difference in the preservation of our planet. The sense of accomplishment that comes from protecting wildlife, conserving forests, and educating the public is unparalleled. By protecting these environments, forest rangers are safeguarding biodiversity and ensuring that future generations can thrive from the benefits of healthy, functioning ecosystems.
Rangers in Sierra Leone experience the satisfaction of making a tangible difference in the preservation of our planet. The sense of accomplishment that comes from protecting wildlife, conserving forests, and educating the public is unparalleled. By protecting these environments, forest rangers are safeguarding biodiversity and ensuring that future generations can thrive from the benefits of healthy, functioning ecosystems.
As the pressures on our natural environments continue to grow, the role of forest rangers is becoming increasingly vital. Climate change, urban expansion, and resource exploitation pose significant threats to forests worldwide. Rangers are indispensable guardians of our natural heritage. Their dedication to preserving the sanctuary ensures that future generations will continue to enjoy the beauty and benefits of our forests. As we recognize the vital role they play, it is important to support their efforts through policies, funding, and public awareness initiatives. By doing so, we can help the rangers succeed in their mission to protect the wilderness for all to enjoy.