This archive report was first published on 13 July 2020.
Kenya's Amboseli National Park is home to a unique team of wildlife rangers, known as Team Lioness. The all-female unit, comprising eight rangers, is part of the International Fund for Animal Welfare's (IFAW) conservation efforts.
Team Lioness patrols the 147,000-hectare community land, protecting wildlife from poaching, trafficking in bushmeat, and human-wildlife conflict. The rangers, who are all from the local Maa community, have been working tirelessly to safeguard the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
For Purity Amleset, a 24-year-old ranger, the job is not without risks. She has not seen her family since country-wide travel restrictions were imposed in March, following the first case of coronavirus in Kenya. Despite the challenges, Amleset remains committed to her role, saying, 'I risk my life to spare their life [wildlife].'
Amleset's colleague, Sharon Nankinyi, a 20-year-old ranger, shares similar sentiments. Nankinyi has been away from home for months, missing out on important family events and activities. However, she remains determined to continue her work, saying, 'We are Maa ladies. They [the village women] are our mothers. So they give us information freely, without any fear.'
The Covid-19 pandemic has decimated tourism revenues, leaving donor-funded wildlife conservation hanging in the balance. In neighboring Tanzania, many rangers have lost their jobs as tourism has dwindled, putting more pressure on Team Lioness and other community rangers. There are fears that fewer rangers could prompt a spike in poaching, threatening the delicate balance of the ecosystem and future tourism.
Despite the challenges, Team Lioness remains committed to their work. The rangers have been recognized for their efforts, with Eunice Mantei, a 20-year-old ranger, saying, 'You know before, us females in our community we were seen as a weak point. In our society we are not recognised, our worth is just to give birth and take care of the children. But now we have been recognised.'
Team Lioness's work is crucial in protecting the wildlife and ecosystem of Amboseli National Park. Their dedication and commitment to their role are a testament to the importance of conservation efforts in Kenya.
