New Research Highlights Urgent Need for more Rangers to Protect Tigers

Posted on 30 July 2024

New research finds that there are not enough rangers in seven out of the 10 countries with remaining wild tiger populations.
For effective protection of tigers and other biodiversity there is a need for at least 12,500 additional rangers.
Through securing protected areas, and the ecosystem services therein, rangers generate considerable positive benefits for people and nature.

A comprehensive study published in Conservation Science and Practice underscores the critical role of park rangers as frontline defenders of wildlife, particularly in safeguarding iconic species like the tiger (Panthera tigris). Led by researchers from WWF and the University of Central Florida, the study reveals alarming gaps in ranger numbers and inadequate working conditions across Tiger Conservation Landscapes in the remaining 10 countries in Asia with wild tiger populations.

Titled "Insufficient Numbers and Poor Working Conditions for Rangers Protecting Tigers," the research draws on two large global data-sets to estimate the shortfall of rangers needed to undertake the varied role of rangers to effectively manage and protect tiger-bearing protected areas. Key findings include:

Ranger Density: Approximately 12,500 additional rangers are required within tiger protected areas in the surveyed countries to adequately protect and manage these sites.
Financial Requirements: Addressing the ranger shortfall is estimated to cost US$ 45.8 million annually. This funding would support recruiting more rangers to patrol and safeguard tiger habitats.
Welfare Needs: An additional US$ 7.8 million annually is needed to meet basic welfare needs for rangers, as outlined in the Chitwan Declaration of the World Ranger Congress. This includes provisions for adequate equipment, training, and working conditions.

According to the International Ranger Federation (IRF) two rangers have died in the line of duty every week since 2006 globally and Asia has witnessed most casualties with the majority from tiger range countries. The IRF Roll of Honour 2024 highlights that the number of rangers losing their lives due to human wildlife conflict (26%), firefighting and floods is increasing every year. Many of these casualties can be avoided by providing better training and equipment. A well-staffed and professional ranger workforce will contribute significantly to achieving global sustainable development, biodiversity and climate ambitions. The overall annual deficit in global protected area funding was recently estimated at US$ 43.7 billion, compared to US$ 24.3 billion currently invested (Waldron et al., 2020). It has been estimated that investing in protected areas generates a 5:1 return on investment (Waldron, et al. 2020).

"These findings highlight the urgent need for increased investment in ranger recruitment, welfare and professionalization across tiger range countries," said Rohit Singh, Director of Protected and Conserved Area Governance and Management, WWF. "Rangers are the backbone of conservation efforts in these critical landscapes, yet they often work under challenging conditions with insufficient resources."

The study underscores that the majority of the ranger shortfall (63%) is concentrated in three Southeast Asian countries (Indonesia, Malaysia and Myanmar) where tiger populations are declining, signaling a direct threat to the conservation of this endangered species.

"We urge governments of tiger range countries and the global conservation community to prioritize funding for ranger recruitment and support," emphasized Stuart Chapman, Leader WWF Tigers Alive. "Ensuring sufficient numbers of well-equipped rangers is essential not only for protecting tigers but also for maintaining the integrity of these conservation critical ecosystems."

The research further supports the fact that there are broader funding gaps in protected area management across tropical regions, underscoring the need for increased financial support from both national governments and international conservation organizations.

The authors recommend adding measurable goals for increasing the number, and efficacy, of protected area rangers into both National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans and national Tiger Action Plans. Reporting on these commitments should be incorporated into reporting under the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Global Tiger Recovery Program.

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For media requests, please contact:
Jenny Roberts | WWF-Tigers Alive | jroberts@wwf-tigers.org