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Wildlife Ranger Challenge 2026

The Wildlife Ranger Challenge 2026: Running #ForWildlifeRangers in the Lower Zambezi

Every day, the men and women who patrol the Lower Zambezi National Park walk into some of Zambia's most remote and demanding terrain to protect the elephants, lions, leopards and countless other species that call this valley home. This September, CLZ is once again standing behind them by taking part in the Wildlife Ranger Challenge 2026.

What is the Wildlife Ranger Challenge?

Launched in 2020 by Tusk and the Game Rangers Association of Africa (GRAA) to keep rangers employed through the Covid-19 crisis, the Wildlife Ranger Challenge has grown into the largest celebration of the ranger profession on the continent. Since its founding, it has raised over $25 million, supporting more than 11,500 rangers across 24 African countries and benefiting over half a million people in the communities that surround protected areas.

The Challenge is far more than a single race day. Over several months, ranger teams from across Africa train together and compete in a series of physical and mental tests, including:

  • A ranger quiz testing conservation and field knowledge
  • Push-up and sit-up challenges to build strength and camaraderie
  • A time trial run in preparation for race day
  • The signature event: a coordinated 21km race, the men carrying 22kg of kit and the women carrying 10kg, held simultaneously by ranger teams across their own landscapes

This year's race day falls on 19 September 2026, when teams from dozens of countries will link up together, joined by supporters around the world running in solidarity under the hashtag #ForWildlifeRangers.

Kufadza WRC 2025

What it means for Conservation Lower Zambezi

CLZ is proud to be a funded partner of the Wildlife Ranger Challenge, representing the rangers and scouts working across the Lower Zambezi National Park and its surrounding Game Management Areas. Our team supports the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) through anti-poaching foot patrols, a dedicated K9 detection unit, a Rapid Deployment Team, and community scout units who patrol some of the toughest and most remote bush in Zambia.

Taking part in the Challenge means:

  • Funding on the front line — money raised goes directly toward ranger salaries, equipment, training, insurance and welfare support for the teams protecting the Lower Zambezi ecosystem.
  • Recognition for an often invisible job — rangers are anti-poaching officers, trackers, first responders, community liaisons and educators all at once. The Challenge puts a global spotlight on that work.
  • Connection and camaraderie — our rangers train and compete alongside teams from other landscapes across Africa, building a network of support that spans the continent.
  • A boost to morale — for teams working long stretches in isolated bush camps, the Challenge is a rare chance to be celebrated publicly for the risks they take every day.

In past years, CLZ's rangers have punched well above their weight — our team has taken home top honours in the Women's Sit-Up Challenge, and every year our rangers complete the full 21km carrying full kit, representing the Lower Zambezi on the world stage.

qr ranger challenge

How you can get involved

You don't need to be a ranger to take part. Supporters everywhere are invited to run, walk or donate in solidarity:

Every kilometre run and every donation made goes toward the people who stand between Zambia's wildlife and extinction. Join us this September in backing the rangers of the Lower Zambezi.

#ForWildlifeRangers

Tusk

About Tusk

For more than 35 years, Tusk has worked to accelerate the impact of African-driven conservation. Since its formation, Tusk has boosted an impressive range of successful conservation projects across more than 20 countries. These initiatives have not only increased vital protection for more than 40 different threatened species, but have also contributed to poverty reduction through sustainable development and education amongst rural communities living alongside wildlife. Tusk partners with the most effective local organisations, investing in their in-depth knowledge and expertise. By supporting and nurturing their conservation programmes, Tusk helps to accelerate growth from an innovative idea to a scalable solution. The charity, which has Prince William as its Royal Patron, has invested over $100m into African conservation since its founding in 1990.

GRAA Logo

About Game Rangers Association of Africa (GRAA)

Founded in 1970, the GRAA is a non-profit organisation and the oldest, largest and most representative ranger association in Africa. As an organisational partner of the Wildlife Ranger Challenge, the GRAA plays a critical role in building networks of wildlife rangers, advocating for their interests, and providing expert guidance on ranger-related issues.

Kufadza Wildlife Rangers 2025
Kufadza Wildlife Rangers 2025
Mens Wildlife Rangers 2025
Mens Wildlife Rangers 2025

Snared African Wild Dog Successfully Rescued in the Lower Zambezi

Between 19 and 29 June 2026, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), in partnership with Painted Wolf Foundation and Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ), successfully rescued and treated a snared African wild dog from the Jeki Pack in the Lower Zambezi ecosystem.

The Jeki Pack is currently one of the largest known African wild dog packs in the Lower Zambezi, consisting of 18 individuals. The pack regularly moves between Lower Zambezi National Park and the Chiawa Game Management Area (GMA), often travelling close to community areas while hunting. Although these movements are essential for finding prey and avoiding competition from larger predators, they also expose the dogs to one of the greatest threats facing large carnivores across Africa - wire snares.

On 10 June 2026, the Jeki Pack ventured deeper into the Chiawa GMA, close to surrounding villages. During this time, one of the pack members became caught in a wire snare around its neck. The injury went unnoticed until approximately 16 June, when safari guides spotted the dog carrying the snare and immediately alerted Conservation Lower Zambezi. The report was quickly shared with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, and plans for a veterinary intervention began without delay.

Around the same period, eight females dispersed from the original pack of eighteen—a natural behaviour in African wild dogs as they leave to establish new packs. One of the dispersing females was fitted with a satellite collar, leaving the resident Jeki Pack without a satellite-tracked individual. From that point, monitoring relied on a VHF collar and sighting reports from safari guides, making it considerably more challenging to locate the injured animal.

On 19 June, field teams began searching for the pack using information provided by safari guides. The dogs were eventually located beyond Jeki Airstrip near the old Mondoro area feeding on an impala while several spotted hyenas attempted to steal the carcass. Although the injured wild dog was successfully identified, the team confirmed that the wire snare remained tightly wrapped around its neck. 

Unfortunately, the pack's constant movements and operational constraints meant that several follow-up search efforts were unsuccessful. Throughout this period, the team continued to receive updates from safari guides while carrying out daily searches in preparation for the veterinarian's arrival.

On 25 June, the veterinarian joined the field team. Shortly afterwards, safari guides reported that the pack had been sighted on the Second Plain near Out of Africa. When the team arrived, only ten dogs were present, reflecting the recent dispersal of several pack members.

With tourist vehicles still nearby, the team patiently waited until the area was clear before beginning the operation. Once conditions were safe, the veterinarian successfully darted the injured dog. As the anaesthetic took effect, the remaining pack members gradually moved away, allowing the veterinary team to approach safely.

A thorough examination revealed the wire snare tightly encircling the dog's neck, along with several minor abrasions around the pelvic region. Fortunately, the neck injury was superficial and had not penetrated deeply.

The veterinary team carefully removed the snare, cleaned and disinfected the wound, administered antibiotics and supportive medications, and applied topical treatment to reduce the risk of infection. Throughout the procedure, the dog's heart rate, breathing and body temperature were closely monitored to ensure its safety.

Once treatment was complete, the anaesthetic reversal drug was administered, and the team remained with the animal until it fully regained consciousness. Approximately 45 minutes later, the wild dog stood up, initially unsteady but quickly regaining its strength before successfully rejoining the rest of the pack.

A few hours later, the alpha male was fitted with a satellite collar, restoring the team's ability to monitor the pack through real-time satellite locations and improving ongoing conservation management.

Since the intervention, the Jeki Pack has continued to be monitored through routine field observations, satellite and VHF tracking, and regular reports from safari guides operating throughout the Lower Zambezi ecosystem. The pack has since begun denning, with the alpha female heavily pregnant at the time of the rescue, making continued monitoring especially important during this critical breeding period.

This successful rescue highlights the importance of strong collaboration between DNPW, Painted Wolf Foundation, Conservation Lower Zambezi, Safari operators and local stakeholders. Rapid reporting, coordinated field operations and ongoing monitoring continue to play a vital role in protecting one of Africa's most endangered carnivores and ensuring the long-term survival of wild dogs in the Lower Zambezi.

CLZ Wild Dog Desnaring
CLZ Wild Dog Desnaring Snare Removal
CLZ Wild Dog Desnaring Snare
CLZ Wild Dog Desnaring Installing Collar
CLZ Wild Dog Desnaring Collar

Foundation Escort Officer Training

Thirty DNPW officers completed the first of its kind Foundation Escort Officer training in Lower Zambezi which focused on communication, rifle handling & safety and encountering dangerous animals on foot.

CLZ would like to thank the dedicated trainers Nathan Ingram and Marius Renke from EcoTraining South Africa as well as co-leader Snr. Ranger Mukendwa Kakoma and guides from our local lodges: Henry Miti, Mwila Zulu and Chris Farao.

This training was made possible with the valued support of African Bush Camps Lolebezi, Amanzi, Baines’ River Camp, Chiawa Camp and Old Mondoro, Classic Zambia Safaris, Dulini Anabezi, Goba Safaris, Green Safaris, John&Laz Safaris, Ker&Downey Safaris, Mwambashi River Lodge, Royal Zambezi Lodge, Time and Tide and Zambezi Grande.

A First for Fisheries Co-management: Celebrating the Inaugural Fisheries Management Areas in Zambia

A First for Fisheries Co-management: Celebrating the Inaugural Fisheries Management Areas in Zambia

Chiawa, Zambia (March 16, 2026) – Today, the government of Zambia has handed over statutory instruments for the recently declared Fisheries Management Areas (FMAs) in Chiawa and Namoomba communities. The two FMAs are in the very first cohort of FMAs ever gazetted in Zambia.

 Both FMAs are located in a trans-boundary section of the river between Zambia and Zimbabwe, within the Lower Zambezi-Mana Pools landscape. The area is known for its nature and wildlife, drawing thousands of tourists each year to see elephants, lions, hippos and other iconic species.

 The declaration was achieved through support of the regional Pro-nature Enterprise Project, led by Conservation International with Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ) leading implementation in Lower Zambezi. CLZ works in partnership with the Department of Fisheries, tourism operators, traditional leadership and other local stakeholders. This collaborative and inclusive process has been supported by the French government through the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the French Facility for Global Environment (FFEM).

 To complement the two FMAs, the government has also approved Fisheries Management Plans that will guide the implementation of fisheries co-management among the various stakeholders in the landscape.

 “The FMAs formally recognize the communities as the central stewards of their fisheries resources in a place they have lived for many generations,” says Dr. Jimmiel Mandima, Conservation International’s Chief Field Officer for Africa. “From the government to the communities, all who are involved in this milestone are committed to keeping the river full of healthy fish stocks.”

 The river is the most important source of daily protein for over 4,000 households living along its banks. Around 200 artisanal fishermen derive their incomes from fisheries. Moreover, sport fishing is core to the tourism industry, which employs hundreds of local people.

 Conservation International and implementing partners have used Conservation Agreements as a regulatory framework preceding the full declaration of the FMAs. The Conservation Agreements with the local community provide incentives, such as sustainable fishing gear and boats, for communities to adopt sustainable fishing practices.

 The approved management plans, have borrowed heavily from a policy paper drafted by Conservation International and the Zambia National Forum for Fisheries and Aquaculture.

 

"We are really excited at having the first set of FMAs ever declared in Zambia. In particular, Lower Zambezi FMAs are in a unique trans-boundary ecosystem famous for its fauna and flora,” said Evans Mutanuka, Director or Fisheries in Zambia. “We hope to closely monitor and learn as the FMAs implementation begins for replication in other parts of the country."

Evans Mutanuka,
Director or Fisheries in Zambia.

“The French government is proud of the results achieved by the Pro-nature Enterprises project in Zambia and beyond. We are convinced that thriving ecosystems translate into prosperity for local communities. We will continue to invest in partnerships that foster sustainable and meaningful development and recognize communities as stewards of nature. This is why France supports this project in particular, as well as the Department of Forests and ZAFFICO, which it has been supporting for nearly two years,” 

Thomas Rossignol,
French Ambassador to Zambia.

"By supporting sustainable co-management of fisheries in the Lower Zambezi, the FFEM, in partnership with Conservation International, demonstrates that biodiversity conservation can be a powerful lever for social justice. This project helps secure livelihoods, strengthen local communities' usage rights, and generate sustainable economic opportunities, while protecting the ecosystems on which these communities directly depend,”

Emmanuel Fourmann,
FFEM Project Manager.

“The Fisheries Management Area empowers us as a community to take responsibility for protecting fish, breeding areas and preventing illegal fishing,” said Alick Nyiromo, Chiawa Fisheries Management Chairperson. “With an influx of fishermen from all over, we are excited that this framework gives us mandate to enforce sustainable practices”.

Alick Nyiromo,
Chiawa Fisheries Management Chairperson.

Conservation Lower Zambezi joins African Parks’ Incubation Programme

CLZ
African Parks logo

Johannesburg, South Africa, 20 May 2025 – Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ) has signed an agreement to join the African Parks Incubation Programme. The Incubation Programme was developed by African Parks with a vision to partner with organisations that share an ambition to promote effectively managed protected areas through formalised agreements and to support these partners in more efficiently reaching their conservation objectives. This agreement was made possible with the invaluable support of Resolve Wildlife. 

CLZ, established in 1994, has nearly 30 years of experience working to safeguard nature while supporting the people who live alongside it. The organisation works to protect the Lower Zambezi landscape, which includes the Lower Zambezi National Park and surrounding Game Management Areas, encompassing a conservation landscape of over 18,000 square kilometres. This area lies directly across the Zambezi River from Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized globally for its outstanding natural beauty and rich biodiversity.

The region plays a key role in wider, cross-border conservation efforts as part of two major Transfrontier Conservation Areas —LOZAMAP (Lower Zambezi–Mana Pools) and ZIMOZA (Zambia–Mozambique–Zimbabwe)—which promote collaboration across countries to protect ecosystems that extend beyond national borders.

The Lower Zambezi landscape is home to some of Africa's most iconic wildlife, including elephant, lion, leopard, wild dog, and hippo, as well as hundreds of bird species and an important fish population. This ecosystem supports not only wildlife but also the livelihoods of thousands of people living in nearby communities who depend on natural resources for food, water, and income. However, this area faces threats from illegal hunting and resource harvesting, overfishing, habitat destruction, and increasing human-wildlife conflict.

Through this incubation partnership with African Parks, CLZ will receive support ranging from governance disciplines and protected area management practices to conducting operational audits to identify gaps; and mentoring to build confidence and expertise. This partnership is conducted on both an institutional and operational level, with the support and exchanges adapted to specific needs and circumstances.

With CLZ joining the programme, this brings the Incubation Programme to a total of six partners managing seven protected areas across the continent.

Ian Stevenson, CEO of Conservation Lower Zambezi: "The Incubator Programme partnership between African Parks and Conservation Lower Zambezi marks a significant milestone in CLZ's journey and a new chapter for conservation in the Lower Zambezi. With African Parks' extensive experience and commitment to long-term sustainability, we are confident that this partnership will greatly enhance our ability to protect the region's rich biodiversity, support local communities, and strengthen our conservation impact. We are excited for the opportunities ahead and look forward to working together to secure a thriving future for the Lower Zambezi landscape."

Peter Fearnhead, CEO of African Parks said: "We are excited to welcome Conservation Lower Zambezi into the Incubation Programme. Their vision and mission align perfectly with African Parks' ambition to conserve and rehabilitate vital landscapes, which deliver essential ecosystem services benefiting people and wildlife. Conservation Lower Zambezi stands as a dedicated conservation organisation, and we eagerly anticipate supporting their crucial work in the years ahead.

About Conservation Lower Zambezi:

Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ) is a non-governmental organization dedicated to safeguarding the wildlife and ecosystems of the Lower Zambezi, Zambia. Since 1994, we have worked alongside Zambia’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) and the local communities to combat poaching, preserve biodiversity, and promote sustainable conservation efforts. For more information visit Conservation Lower Zambezi - Protecting the Lower Zambezi

About African Parks:

African Parks is a non-profit conservation organisation that takes on the responsibility for the rehabilitation and long-term management of national parks in partnership with governments and local communities. African Parks manages 23 national parks and protected areas in 13 countries covering over 20 million hectares in Angola, Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, the Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Rwanda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. For more information visit www.africanparks.org

Isabel Kamanga – CLZ Intern Blog

My name is Isabel Kamanga, I hold a BSc in Agroforestry attained from the Copperbelt University.

Portrait of Isabel Kamanga in a professional setting.

In the month of August 2023, I was given the privilege to work with Conservation Lower Zambezi and my experience with the organisation was amazing as I learnt a lot. During my time at CLZ, I was part of a team that carried out extension work in different communities of a Chiawa Game Management Area (GMAs) and taught various community members on the importance of wildlife conservation and the negative implications associated with not practicing it through the Anti-snare Campaign. It is during this time that I was able to have a face-to- face interactions with people who frequently experienced human-wildlife conflicts and was able to disseminate information on how this could be resolved in order to promote human and wildlife coexistence.

In the last week of my internship, I was part of a team that trained school going children about conservation.  The training was conducted through the use of visual aids and park visits as this made it easier for the children to realise the importance of what they learnt in school and what they saw in the park. This was exciting and made them eager to learn. Not only did the training involve conservation education, but also of health education so that the pupils would better learn how to take care of themselves.  It was quite amazing that this training did not only look out for the girl child through a project called “Wuka”, but also focused on the boy child through a project called “boys champions”. This showed me that CLZ is one of the many organizations that promote gender equality.

Isabel Kamanga

Overall, data entry and report writing were one of my key duties. It was through working with different data sets obtained from different project areas that I was able to improve my data analysis skills and now able to deliver a high standard of work.

Working with CLZ was quite an adventure and was very beneficial for my career fulfilment and personal growth. It was through the opportunity that I was given that I have become more proficient in identifying potential conservation threats and how they can be moderated.

I am more than grateful to CLZ and Lady Marcy for the opportunity as it helped me gain a diversity of skills and discover my capabilities and what I need to work on in order to flourish in my career. It was more than an honour to have been a part of an innovative organization that helps save and serve wildlife through conservation.