An award to recognise the dedication and commitment of an individual who works in the field on a daily basis to protect Africa’s wildlife.
This award gives international recognition to the men and women who face danger every day to protect Africa’s wildlife. Rangers often work for little reward, risking and regularly losing their lives to protect the world’s wildlife and its fragile ecosystems.
Previous winners have included Edward Ndiritu from Kenya (2015), Manuel Sacaia from Angola (2016), Solomon Chidunuka from Zambia and Lucky Ndlovu from South Africa(2017), Julius Obwona from from Uganda (2018), Benson Kanyembo from Zimbabwe (2019), and the 2020 winner was Amos Gwema from Zimbabwe.
This award is generously sponsored by
The Nick Maughan Foundation
Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority -Principal Intelligence Officer.
Amos is a dedicated individual who has changed the way intelligence work contributes to the protection of Zimbabwe’s wildlife. Over the last 15 years he has convicted the highest number of poachers of any officer in the parks authority, all of whom are currently serving prison time. His greatest achievement has been the massive reduction in elephant poaching in Hwange National Park. Through his work poached elephant numbers have declined from over 300 in 2013 to 25 in 2019.
Watch the video below to hear Amos’ story below or read more here.
In 2019 the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award honoured the bravery and dedication of a man who leads the fight against poaching on Zambia’s frontline. Benson Kanyembo is a ranger’s ranger; physically tough, incredibly hardworking and resilient without seeking recognition or reward.
Watch the video below to hear Benson’ story below or read more here.
If you’ve been inspired by Amos’s story, learn about another finalist, or let others know about the Tusk Awards.