Yalinie Mathan
Every year, July 31 marks World Ranger Day to commemorate the tireless work of forest ranger to protect the planet’s natural treasures.
A ranger usually refers to a forest or park ranger responsible for preserving and protecting park lands and natural protected areas.
July 31 2007 marks the first World Ranger Day.
Thus, it commenced on the 15th anniversary of the International Ranger Federation (IRF).
Malaysia’s rainforest
Malaysia’s rainforests are one of the world’s oldest and most diverse places.
A tropical landscape that belongs to the Sundaland bio-geographical region covers more than thirty million hectares.
In fact, there can be as many as 400 tree species in just one hectare and up to 3,000 individual trees.
And, that’s not counting the smaller plants and shrubs.
Furthermore, of this total forested area, 10 million hectares are Permanent Reserve Forests, and three million are protected areas.
The forest ranger in Malaysia
The forest conservation effort will never be possible without the forest rangers.
Undoubtedly, they are the undisputed guardians of the Malaysian rainforests.
The rangers form the first and the last line of defence to protect the nation’s wealth is never known to the outside world.
Often, they are not seen, as they usually work in remote areas far from the eyes of the general public.
They fight illegal loggers, forest invaders, and poachers constantly on the frontline.
Albeit, their heroic tales of protecting thousand-year-old trees and iconic wildlife facing threats of extinction never get much publicity.
What makes a ranger
A ranger’s work is dynamic and challenging, with no dull moments.
Whilst, they patrol, monitor wildlife, combat poaching, engage local communities, manage fires and assist with tourism.
Forest rangers also become research assistants by collecting and documenting samples for researchers.
However, patrolling remains the most crucial part of a ranger’s job.
At times, the length and type of patrol depend on the area.
On average, rangers patrol 10-15km daily carrying food and sleeping bags in their backpacks.
In fact, sleeping in the field has become a norm for a ranger.
Sometimes, it takes days before they can return home.
The conditions are challenging; they battle bad weather and heat fatigue, armed poachers, insect bites and leeches, and being exposed to dengue and malaria.
However challenging it seems, that makes it adventurous and exciting for them.
They create conditions for communities to continue to coexist with their natural resources.
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