Great Plains Female Biodiversity Rangers Are Leading With Purpose

At Great Plains, our Female Biodiversity Rangers from Zimbabwe are working to protect the Sapi Safari Area’s biodiversity as part of the Sapi Rewild and Restoration Project, spanning 118,000 hectares. Before Great Plains secured the lease, it was depleted of wildlife, having previously been a hunting concession. The involvement of female biodiversity rangers in this restoration project is invaluable. The team works to protect wildlife and promote human-wildlife coexistence, serving as educators, mentors, first responders, and trusted leaders in their community engagements. The first female rangers began their training in Botswana and Zimbabwe in 2022. There are now active teams operating in the Great Plains’ areas of operation in both Zimbabwe and Botswana, currently comprising a total of 23 female rangers across both countries.

The Great Plains Zimbabwe Female Biodiversity team has made a significant contribution to our conservation efforts. In collaboration with ZimParks, they have been instrumental in biodiversity monitoring  and have led the way in conservation education for communities near the Sapi Concession in partnership with Wildlife Conservation Action. They are actively conducting biodiversity surveys along the Zambezi River and within the Sapi Concession, and they host conservation degree students from Chinhoyi University at the Great Plains Research Camp for their conservation practical. Each Biodiversity Ranger is pursuing further degrees in conservation and sustainable community development.

Collectively, the four women in the Zimbabwe unit have patrolled over 5322 hours covering a distance of over 20671 kilometres, monitoring critical species, including the elephant herds that were translocated in 2022, conducting biodiversity surveys, and addressing threats to wildlife in the field, in collaboration with ZimParks. Our biodiversity Rangers demonstrate leadership in various forms, from conservation education for young children to protecting habitats and promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife.

Meet the team: four inspirational women in biodiversity conservation, and hear from them about their evolution in the field and how they’re making a difference through their roles.

Meet Kristie

“What motivated me to join the conservation team is my upbringing near a national park, where I observed that the field was predominantly male-dominated. This realisation challenged me to become part of the team and make a difference. I am deeply passionate about wildlife, particularly the interactions between humans and animals. My focus lies in addressing human-wildlife conflict and fostering positive relationships.

…I have gone from being an overlooked individual to someone recognized as an emerging ecologist, working at the Great Plains research camp. Completing my BSc and earning additional diplomas with distinction has been a major milestone. While I have faced challenges in the field, such as extreme weather conditions, my achievements in education have broadened my understanding of the environment and ecosystems.

…The impact I’ve made within my community is significant; many young girls look up to me and aspire to follow in my footsteps. I have demonstrated that this work is achievable and that women can thrive in this field. For me, leadership is akin to being a big sister—mentoring others while doing what I love most and sharing the knowledge I have.” – Kristie.

Meet Olivia

“I grew up in a rural village surrounded by nature. From a young age, I saw the beauty of wildlife, but I also saw how it was being destroyed. When I learned that animals were being poached and forests were being cleared, I felt a calling. I wanted to be part of the solution to protect what cannot protect itself…

One time during patrol, we found a group of young elephants stuck in deep mud near a drying waterhole. They were exhausted and couldn’t get out on their own. We quickly called for support and worked together using ropes, logs, and even our hands to free them. It took hours, but we managed to pull them out safely. Seeing them walk away into the wild again was one of the most rewarding moments of my life. It reminded me how important our presence is in protecting and saving wildlife.

…Through my work, I grew fond of the communities’ stories, struggles, and strong connection to the land. This inspired me to pursue a master’s degree focused on community-based conservation, so I could learn better ways to support both people and wildlife.” – Olivia. 

Meet Rachel

“Being a ranger has empowered me both personally and professionally. Personally, it has boosted my confidence and helped me break through limitations I once placed on myself. I’ve learned to be independent, resilient, and proud of the work I do…My role in conservation has truly changed my life for the better. It has opened doors for me to further my education. I’m currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, something I never imagined possible before…

During our interactions with university students and young women from local communities, I’ve seen how our presence and work in conservation inspire others. Many of them express their appreciation for what we do and often tell us that we are their role models. Hearing that we’ve helped shift their perspective and encouraged them to dream bigger is incredibly fulfilling. It’s a reminder that our work goes beyond protecting wildlife; it also empowers the next generation of women in conservation.” – Rachel.

Meet Rumbidzai

“I’ve always been passionate about nature and the environment. A defining moment was witnessing the effects of deforestation and habitat loss in a rural community. I saw firsthand how environmental degradation harmed both wildlife and people’s livelihoods. That experience pushed me to find solutions that support both nature and communities, and it inspired me to pursue conservation science and sustainability… My research (MSc) focuses on conservation, sustainability, and the intersection of environmental stewardship and community livelihoods. I explore how natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development can be integrated to create resilient ecosystems and empower local communities…

Initially, conservation science was not widely recognised as a field for women in some communities. Over time, as they saw the outcomes and how I worked with communities, perceptions changed. There’s now more respect and understanding of the role, especially as local women and youth become more engaged… What excites me most is making a tangible impact on both conservation and sustainability efforts. I love how scientific research can inform policies, empower communities, and protect biodiversity.” – Rumbidzai.

The team in Zimbabwe will expand this year, 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.