Women in Conservation: Female Biodiversity Rangers from Botswana
At Great Plains, our Female Biodiversity Rangers from Botswana protect nature and wildlife, serving as educators, mentors, and first responders, while promoting human-wildlife coexistence and being trusted leaders in their communities. The first female rangers began their training in 2022 in Botswana, and there are now active teams operating in Great Plains’ areas of operation in both Botswana and Zimbabwe. The team consists of 21 members, comprising 17 female rangers in Botswana who have completed extensive training, and the various teams are continually growing.
Collectively, the Botswana female Biodiversity Rangers have patrolled over 6,194 hours, covering a distance of 22,145 kilometres, through thick sand and deep waters across the Selinda and Duba reserves within the Linyanti and Okavango Delta regions in northern Botswana. The team monitor critical species, conducts biodiversity surveys, and addresses threats to wildlife in the field, in collaboration with the Botswana government. These women are working as a strong and dedicated unit in conservation in the field. They are also inspiring the next generation as positive female role models for young girls and young adults. Our biodiversity rangers demonstrate leadership in various forms, from guiding young children in conservation camps to protecting habitats and promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife within communities.
Their words reveal an understanding of their work, aligning with their purpose, dedication to community engagements, and commitment to overcoming challenges! Meet 8 of our 17 Great Plains female Biodiversity Rangers from Botswana and hear from them about their conservation journey so far.
Meet Akanyang
“I was born and bred in a small village, Sekondomboro. Growing up, I was surrounded by nature. The trees, rivers, and animals – I wanted to be among those protecting the wildlife, for I felt a deep connection to nature. Being a ranger gives me the role of protecting the voiceless nature… We once found a snared lion. In collaboration with the government departments, we managed to free and treat the lion. That rescue made a difference… My role has made me stronger, a problem solver and a confident woman. It has made it possible for me and my sisters that there is life, even in a male-dominated industry. ” – Akanyang.
Meet Agonneone
“My role has given me purpose and a deep sense of pride. It has also influenced others around me, particularly young women who now believe they too can take up space in fields like conservation. I’ve seen friends become more confident and inspired to pursue roles in environmental work, education, and community development…A major challenge has been overcoming gender-based assumptions. There were times when I had to prove that I was just as capable as my male counterparts. Whether it was navigating rough terrains, changing tyres, or walking long distance trying to locate rhinos, I made sure to meet every challenge head-on. Through resilience and consistency, I earned respect in my team.” – Agonneone.
Meet Irene
“What I love most about my work as a ranger is providing security to our beautiful natural habitats so that they grow and expand by engaging in patrols, helping in habitat restoration, respond to emergencies like fire, floods, and getting engaged in community outreach by providing education about wildlife Conservation, promote response tourism and address human-wildlife conflicts.” – Irene.
Meet Boipelo
“My love for nature inspired me to be a female ranger, I wanted to be on the frontline when it comes to conserving our natural resources and their inhabitants…Being able to drive a 4×4 Land Cruiser is great. It’s not every day that you see a woman driving a Land Cruiser, crossing deep waters and being able to drive through the Kalahari sands without any fear! That’s the most exciting moment ever!…
Being a biodiversity ranger gave me the opportunity to grow as an individual, I now know the importance of conservation, and I made this my mission to teach about the importance of our natural resources and why we have to conserve them.” – Boipelo.
Meet Malaki
Malaki (second left) pictured with the Great Plains Ranger team
“Leadership means standing strong, leading by example, and uplifting others. It’s about guiding my team and community while protecting nature with passion and integrity… As the first female ranger and tracker at Great Plains Foundation, I’ve become a role model in my community. With the support of GPF Management, I helped recruit more female rangers from the East of the Okavango. This initiative has given hope to other women and shown them that conservation is not just for men.” – Malaki.
Meet Othusang
“When I became a ranger, I had limited driving skills and, worse yet, driving in deep sand and deep water. It was emotionally taxing for someone like me, who was a beginner. However, over time, with the help of my colleagues and training opportunities, I managed to rise above the tide, and I continue to work hard to improve every day…
Since we women are more deeply connected to our communities, being a female ranger means more community engagements, educating various community members on the importance of conservation efforts to ignite a more shared and common responsibility in our environmental protection. This makes it a burning fire in the souls of young women and girls to dream big so that in future they find themselves in similar roles.” – Othusang.
Meet Gagoope
“…There are community-based projects, for example, a kids camp that allows us as female rangers to educate young children about our important work. There is a setswana saying lore le ojwa lo sale metsi, meaning you instil knowledge in people while they are still young. Seeing young children being inspired and showing interest in learning more about nature is one of the stories where I see the difference I make in the community.” – Gagoope.
Meet Miss P
“My family believe in me and they all support me. I also engage myself in community meetings whenever I’m on leave, and it gives me the chance to tell the people about conservation. The community elders appreciate my effort a lot…
I have seen young girls inspired by my work. Whenever we host the kids camp, most of the girls show interest and want to become a biodiversity ranger.” – Pihelo.
By leading patrols, educating their communities, and inspiring the next generation, Great Plains’ female biodiversity rangers are working towards a future where people and wildlife coexist, promoting respect for nature and all it has to offer.
The team in Botswana has grown significantly over the years, thanks to the generous and continued support of our donors, supporters and Earth Partners, who are dedicated to protecting biodiversity and promoting women’s empowerment. A special thank you to the National Geographic Society for supporting our Female Biodiversity Rangers, benefiting both people and the planet.
