Virunga's Rangers

Guardians of Biodiversity

Virunga’s Rangers stand fearlessly on the frontline of conservation for the protection of the Park’s wildlife, natural resources, and for the surrounding communities. They routinely face harsh physical conditions, injury, or even death. Over 200 Rangers have been killed in the line of duty. Without the commitment of these brave men and women, Virunga would not exist.

Ranger Statistics
  • Rangers

    770+

    Rangers have completed training and are employed by Virunga.

  • Female Rangers

    34

    Female Rangers have completed training and are employed by Virunga.

  • Fallen Rangers

    220

    Rangers have lost their lives in the line of duty since 1925.

  • Aerial Surveillance

    27,435

    Kilometers of aerial surveillance conducted in the Park in 2022.

  • Routine Patrols

    4500+

    In 2022, the Rangers conducted 4500+ patrols, covering 25,800 km on foot.

  • Ranger Selection Process
  • Partnering with the ICCN
  • Ranger Training
  • Graduation
  • Photo credit: Brent Stirton
    Ranger Selection Process
    More than 770 male and female Rangers actively serve to protect the Park and the local communities. These Rangers go through intense selection processes and extensive training to work for the Park.
  • Photo credit: Bobby Neptune
    Partnering with the ICCN
    They are all selected from local Congolese towns and villages and qualify to become civil servants within the Congolese National Park Authority (ICCN).
  • Photo credit: Brent Stirton
    Ranger Training
    Each Ranger attends 6 months of basic training. Specialization courses then follow. The training curriculum includes combat tactics, human rights, civil and criminal codes, humanitarian aid and an advanced first aid course.
  • Photo credit: Brent Stirton
    Graduation
    Typically, only 50% of Ranger candidates make it through to graduation--many of whom had already earned advanced degrees prior to joining the Ranger corps.
Photo credit:

I enjoy witnessing the breathtaking nature within the Park's boundaries. Being called a Ranger fills me with pride and commitment to protecting its precious ecosystems.

Deo, Section Chief (2013 - Present)

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