Rangers across the world face immense challenges daily to defend local wildlife and protected areas, and these essential men and women are often under-paid, under-equipped and under-appreciated. 

Despite the push in technology to aid conservation (e.g. drones, camera traps & tracking chips), the most important “tool” in the “kit” remains boots on the ground. Rangers are wildlife’s first line of defense, one that is capable of thought and one that can respond immediately to the first sign of trouble—often at great personal risk.

Last year, a team of dedicated conservationists and athletes ran the Marathon des Sables—a grueling 6-day, 250 km adventure race through the Sahara Desert—to raise money and awareness for the welfare of rangers, who risk their lives to protect rhino and elephants in Kenya. 

This year, in their latest challenge, an international team of 16 men and women are running the fearsome ‘Beyond the Ultimate’ Jungle Ultra in Peru. This will be a true test of endurance as the Running for Rangers team runs 230km over five days through the jungle trails, mountain roads and village tracks, making their way from Cloud Forest down 10,500 feet to the Amazon Jungle below. Humidity levels will approach 100 per cent, and the runners will have to be self-sufficient, carrying their own hammock, sleeping bag, food, and supplies for the entire race.

Big Life is grateful to be one of the groups to benefit from their extraordinary efforts.

Please considering supporting this effort, and in so doing helping to equip rangers from Big Life and other conservation organizations.

To donate visit runningforrangers.com