Skip to content

Honorary Rangers

Our Initiatives (The National Projects)

While all the regions engage in their own projects and initiatives (Go to regions), there are several national projects that transcend all the regions. These are:

Alien Invader Task Group

Destruction of natural habitat through the invasion of alien species is regarded as the single biggest threat to the endemic biological integrity of National Parks and all natural areas. The South African landscape is rife with human introduced species (mainly plants, but some animals) that are threatening to wipe out the indigenous biology. SANParks has neither the manpower or finances needed to meet the challenge alone, and the support of the HRs and concerned members of the public is critical.

Quiz

Wildlife and Environmental Quizzes are coordinated nationally and regionally to allow individuals and teams of Honorary Rangers to test their knowledge. A national quiz is held annually at the Honorary Ranger Indaba, competing for an annual trophy sponsored by SASOL. With 2004 being the 40th anniversary of the Honorary Rangers, a special quiz challenge was held that included staff teams from Kruger and SANParks head office and a team from SASOL. The quiz was facilitated by Quinton Coetzee from 50/50

Ranger Support Services (Counter Poaching)

A ranger’s job is never easy. Limited budgets, long hours, extreme environmental conditions, unpredictable animals, dangerous poachers! Sourcing valuable equipment, resources and funds for the SANParks rangers is one of the most valuable contributions made by Honorary Rangers. HRs also get involved in patrols. Exhibitions at various centres are also put together regularly by the HR RSS team and several exciting annual fundraising events that the public can partake in, such as live Game Capture and Classical Concerts in the bush are also facilitated by the HRs.

Re-engineering

One of the Honorary Rangers biggest challenges is to actively promote, develop and manage the re-engineering of the HRs to show the rich diversity of cultures and to reflect the image of SANParks. This involves understanding and accepting cultural diversity and an acceptance of SANParks’ Constituency Building model. The intention is to ensure that all regions are actively pursuing transformation and implementing re-engineering targets and thus the profile of the HRs will gradually gravitate to fall in line with the demographic profile of South Africa.

Training and Courses

The courses are a pivotal part of being an Honorary Ranger and allow one to expand ones active knowledge of SANParks and the natural environment. While certain courses are compulsory for Honorary Rangers, they are also open to the general public.

Trunk Call (Honorary Ranger Newsletter)

The HR Newsletter goes out about 4 times a year (occasionally there are special editions). The newsletter is a combination of report back on Honorary Ranger activity and achievements and information articles on wildlife and park matters.

Veterinary Support Services (Game Capture and Transfer)

Another crucial area of Honorary Ranger support is in the supply of equipment and helping hands for the veterinary staff of SANParks, typified by game capture and transfer. Public exhibitions and several exciting annual fundraising events that the public can partake in, such as live Game Capture and Classical Concerts in the bush, are facilitated by the HRs.

Youth Corps (Junior HRs)

There are over 400 junior honorary rangers and junior applicants. This builds their environmental knowledge and park exposure and hopefully paves the way for their involvement with the Honorary Rangers Corps when the come of age. See Junior Honorary Rangers for more information.