World Ranger Day (31/07)

World Ranger Day, or Park Ranger Day, celebrated annually on July 31, was established in 2007 by the International Ranger Federation (IRF) to celebrate the contribution of park rangers to nature conservation and to honor the memory of fallen rangers in the course of their service.

Ranger (from English. Ranger) – «wanderer», «hunter», «forester», «changer», «police». The term appeared in the 17th century, originally the name given to English soldiers who fought in King Philip's War (1675 - 1676). Today in society, the word «ranger» is most often associated with a police officer or military man, whose main task is to maintain order or conduct special operations. For example, US Army Rangers – are units of the US Army, and Texas Rangers – are the main unit in the Texas Department of Public Safety involved in criminal investigations, catching criminals, restoring public order, etc.

But today marks the professional holiday of park rangers, or state animal and environmental inspectors. The American name «ranger» has taken root in different countries due to the versatility and brevity of the word. The Park Ranger (park ranger) – is a specialist who protects and preserves conservation areas, wildlife and their habitats from poachers and external encroachments associated with civilization.

Ranger Day was first celebrated in 2007 in honor of the 15th anniversary of the International Ranger Federation (IRF), people who protect wild animals and their habitats from poachers, the integrity and inviolability of the boundaries of specially protected natural areas – reserves, national parks, wildlife reserves, natural monuments and other objects of natural value.

The IRF itself was created in 1992 by Scottish specialists together with employees of specially protected natural areas of the world. The reason for the unification was the tragic events associated with the death of the rangers, and especially in Africa, where poachers go to great lengths to obtain the so-called «Grand Helmet», killing five beautiful animals – elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo, lion and leopard. They are the most difficult to obtain, but sometimes hunters do not disdain anything, they even go to kill the rangers protecting these animals. And to raise public awareness of the Ranger's contribution to the environment and to support Ranger organizations around the world, the Ranger Federation was formed.

This organization today covers the work of employees and colleagues, talks about the state of the environment and rare and endangered species of animals, and defends the corporate interests of colleagues who guard nature. Regional associations operate within the International Federation. These include Russia, where – rangers are state inspectors of nature reserves, national parks and reserves.

But today's date – is not only a holiday, but also a day of remembrance of people who died or suffered in the line of duty.

The profession of state conservation inspector, ranger, includes many of the dangerous factors he encounters while on duty. This includes an attack by wild animals, fighting forest fires, meeting with armed poachers... Rangers deal with injured animals on busy highways, participate in catching poisonous snakes in crowded places, confront attacking predators when accompanied by excursions and tourist groups, participate in the fight against forest fires and armed poachers.

Poaching – is one of the problems affecting the state of the rare animal population on the planet. For example, in Russia, rare cat – Amur tiger and Far Eastern leopard become victims of poachers. The system for creating anti-poaching teams began working in the Far East 20 years ago and still does not lose its relevance. Since 2013, the Russian Federation has legislatively tightened penalties for environmental offenses, introduced the institution of public environmental inspectors, as well as criminal liability for trafficking in especially valuable animals, their parts and derivatives. All the main work falls on the shoulders of inspectors and hunting inspectors of – park rangers; the fate of rare animals and the condition of their habitats depend on them.

Reserve Rangers – are advanced wildlife defenders, without whom it is impossible to exterminate poaching and preserve rare animals and their habitat. Therefore, International Ranger Day – is another reason to pay attention to the need to preserve the natural wealth of the planet for posterity and thank everyone who has chosen nature conservation as their profession.

The holiday is actively promoted by more than 160 member organizations of the Ranger Federation from 46 countries. And since 2010, its celebration has also been supported by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)*. Every year on July 31, WWF Russia congratulates environmental inspectors on International Ranger Day, celebrating the best hunting inspectors.

On the occasion of the Day, festive and commemorative events are held in different countries in order to talk about the features and difficulties of the work of rangers, the importance of environmental protection and the conservation of biological diversity. Ranger competitions from different regions and countries are also held, which allow you to exchange patrol experience, master new technologies in your work, and strengthen partnerships.

* – In March 2023, the Russian Ministry of Justice added the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF, formerly called the World Wildlife Fund) to the list of foreign agents



Infographics – poster «July 31 — World Ranger Day (Chasseur's Day)»

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