- Five South African rangers and 78 others worldwide lost their lives in the line of duty over the past year.
- Lehlogonolo Mokopelo explains that women in conservation continue to face challenges in a field traditionally dominated by men.
- The government has pledged stronger support for rangers as they confront climate change, wildlife crime and increasing conservation demands.
Under the red rock cliffs and the roar of the falls, candles were lit on Friday 31 July 2026 for the rangers who did not come home.
It was World Ranger Day, and for the first time the national commemoration was held in the arid region at Augrabies Falls National Park, which is celebrating 60 years of conservation.
The theme this year, “Rangers: Guardians of a Changing Planet. A Legacy of Courage, Service and Stewardship,” reflected the changing role of conservation rangers.
Worldwide, 78 rangers lost their lives in the line of duty over the past year. In South Africa, five rangers were lost. Within South African National Parks (SANParks), one field ranger from Marakele National Park died in a motor vehicle accident while on duty. Between January and June 2026, SANParks also recorded 23 cases of injury while on duty.
For Lehlogonolo Mokopelo, a field ranger at Augrabies Falls National Park, the annual commemoration serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by colleagues who protect South Africa’s natural heritage.
“It is an honour to be part of this day because we have lost so many rangers in the line of duty,” she said. “As a woman, it is especially meaningful to be part of a field traditionally considered a man’s industry. For me, being here and celebrating with everyone is truly an honour.”
She noted that this honour comes with added responsibility. “Because I am a woman, people sometimes go easy on me. That is a challenge I often face. It means I have to be ready to work even harder. This industry is not easy. You have to fight and put in extra effort. No matter where you begin, you have to start somewhere.”
The job is evolving
Rangers are no longer just walking patrols. They are now first responders to floods, heatwaves and wildfires made worse by climate change. Rangers also collect data, educate others and increasingly serve as mediators between parks and neighbouring communities.
Solomon Lefoka, a section ranger at Mokala National Park with 15 years’ experience, said World Ranger Day is an opportunity to remember colleagues who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“We celebrate this day every year to remember rangers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. It means a lot to us,” he said. “The most important thing about this day is that we honour the work rangers have done to protect biodiversity around the world.”
He said climate change has made this already demanding job even more challenging. “The conditions are harsh. With climate change, we now have floods in the parks and intense heat. We have to work in these environments and adapt. We also need to make sure we have technology that helps us do our day-to-day work.”
Lefoka said wildlife crime is another challenge, especially because many rangers live in the same communities as poachers. “Another challenge is that, as a ranger, you are also a community member,” he said. “At the end of the day, you go home and sometimes face the same people who poach in the parks.”
Soldiers for conservation
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment David Maynier said the work of modern rangers goes far beyond traditional conservation duties. “I have been particularly struck by the crucial role our rangers play in safeguarding our environment,” he said.
“A modern ranger is a conservation professional, a steward of complex ecosystems and often a first responder. Rangers are teachers, partners to communities and, more and more, serve as a bridge between people and nature.”
Quoting from the Ranger’s Pledge read earlier in the ceremony, Maynier said, “I will show the world that, as a Ranger, I am a specially selected, disciplined and well-trained soldier for conservation.”
“We are in a fight to protect our environmental assets, and rangers are our soldiers defending our natural heritage,” he said. “They protect our children’s future, our country, our land and our home.”
Maynier said the department must do more than just show ceremonial appreciation. He called for investment in better training, leadership opportunities, equipment, and support for rangers’ physical and mental wellbeing.
He also encouraged young South Africans to think about careers in conservation. “South Africa needs a new generation of rangers, scientists, environmental managers, educators and community leaders who are committed to managing and sustaining our natural heritage for future generations,” he said. “Conservation is not just a career. It is a form of public service and stewardship.”
Remembering the fallen
World Ranger Day 2026 marked 20 years since the International Ranger Federation created this annual commemoration.
Organisers said it was fitting to host the national event in the arid region, as Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park marks 95 years and Augrabies Falls National Park celebrates 60 years of conservation.
As the names were read and candles were lit, rangers from SANParks and provincial conservation authorities stood together, shoulder to shoulder. The roll included the Marakele ranger and the 77 others from around the world whose families will not see them come home.
SANParks spokesperson JP Louw said every ranger’s death is one too many. “One death is too many,” he said. “Even with 78, across the world, it is not ok. We would never want to report the death of a ranger in any year.
“What this shows is the level of sacrifice that comes with this responsibility. It shows a special kind of love for nature and conservation. It is a sign of dedication, resilience and determination among our rangers.”
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