On 31 July, the University of Pretoria observed the annual World Ranger Day, which is aimed at raising awareness about the welfare of wildlife rangers. A game ranger is tasked with protecting and preserving protected areas and has to enforce the law that strives to protect the fauna and flora of a given territory. Furthermore, rangers undertake other duties such as engaging with and educating the community, monitoring wildlife, removing snares, and confronting and arresting poachers.
UP has unlocked a ten-year research programme (spanning from 2024 to 2034) focused on injury prevention among game rangers. The programme will be in tandem with expertise from a plethora of local and international stakeholders. The non-governmental organisation Game Rangers Association of Africa (GRAA) consists of seasoned researchers from South Africa, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. The GRAA is the oldest, largest, and most representative ranger association in Africa.
The multi-national research programme will focus on game rangers involved in African anti-poaching operations. In 2023, at least 140 rangers were killed in the line of duty globally, and at least 42 deaths recorded and reported were from Africa. African wildlife rangers face the highest exposure to life-threatening situations.
UP’s Physiotherapy and Section Sports Medicine departments will be a part and parcel of the research programme. The departments have an impressive track record in supporting athletes through magnified research aimed at establishing injury prevention solutions.
Prof. Carel Viljoen, head of the Department of Physiotherapy, stated, “Our team of physiotherapists, medical doctors, sport scientists, and biokineticists acknowledge[s] these rangers’ vital contribution, and will be combining all our injury prevention expertise to support anti-poaching rangers in their job to better protect wildlife.”
About 88.6% of rangers have experienced life-threatening situations in the line of duty. The ranger research programme will investigate types and mechanisms of injury, severity, and risk factors, among other areas of research interest. Game rangers will also be consulted to assess their perceptions of injury prevention and risk. The collected data will then be used to formulate and develop injury prevention strategies for these rangers.
Louise de Bruin, administrator of the GRAA, stated, “We are therefore delighted to partner with the University of Pretoria in this important study that will provide tangible benefits to rangers’ physical well-being. Ensuring injury prevention among rangers will contribute to their well-being and optimal performance, working on the frontline of conservation.”
