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

    760+

    Rangers have completed training and are employed by Virunga.

  • Female Rangers

    31

    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: Denys Kutsevalov

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)

Support Virunga National Park in its centennial year.

For most runners, crossing the finish line of the Paris Marathon is a moment of triumph—a celebration of endurance, perseverance, and the completion of a gruelling journey. But for the 750 Rangers of Virunga National Park, there is no finish line - each day brings a new challenge.

Every day, they fight—not for medals, but for survival. They stand on the frontlines, protecting endangered wildlife and safeguarding communities in one of the world’s most volatile regions, where almost three decades of conflict have left instability in its wake.

This year, as Virunga marks its 100th anniversary, the reality is stark. Conflict in Eastern Congo has intensified, with major cities such as Goma and Bukavu under rebel control. Despite decades of conservation efforts and our mission to foster regional stability, we find ourselves fighting for survival once again.

Angele’s run is a symbol of our fight.

But she can’t do it alone. Neither can we.

Support Angele’s Marathon

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