Female ranger teams in Kenya and China safeguard wildlife

An aerial drone photo taken on July 23, 2026 shows the view of Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park in Dongning, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. World Ranger Day is observed on July 31 annually to commemorate rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and to celebrate the work rangers do to protect the world's natural and cultural heritage.

Founded in 2019 in Kenya, Team Lioness is an all-female community ranger unit operating in Ole Narika conservancy, a corridor which connects Amboseli National Park with the Tsavo ecosystem and serves as a vital migratory route for elephants and other wildlife that would otherwise face increasing pressure from human encroachment. The team regularly patrols up to 400 km a month on foot, monitoring wildlife movements, tracking species using GPS technology and curbing the illegal extraction of natural resources, including excessive firewood collection.

Also in 2019, a female rangers team was established in Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park in Dongning, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Over the past seven years, the team has been engaged in activities including routine inspections to remove traps, maintenance of monitoring equipment, wildlife rescue, and public education on wildlife protection.

From African savannas to Chinese forests, every step taken by rangers connects us in a shared pledge to protect the wild. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

Female rangers patrol in Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park in Dongning, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, July 23, 2026. World Ranger Day is observed on July 31 annually to commemorate rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and to celebrate the work rangers do to protect the world's natural and cultural heritage.

Founded in 2019 in Kenya, Team Lioness is an all-female community ranger unit operating in Ole Narika conservancy, a corridor which connects Amboseli National Park with the Tsavo ecosystem and serves as a vital migratory route for elephants and other wildlife that would otherwise face increasing pressure from human encroachment. The team regularly patrols up to 400 km a month on foot, monitoring wildlife movements, tracking species using GPS technology and curbing the illegal extraction of natural resources, including excessive firewood collection.

Also in 2019, a female rangers team was established in Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park in Dongning, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Over the past seven years, the team has been engaged in activities including routine inspections to remove traps, maintenance of monitoring equipment, wildlife rescue, and public education on wildlife protection.

From African savannas to Chinese forests, every step taken by rangers connects us in a shared pledge to protect the wild. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

A female ranger records during a patrol in Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park in Dongning, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, July 23, 2026. World Ranger Day is observed on July 31 annually to commemorate rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and to celebrate the work rangers do to protect the world's natural and cultural heritage.

Founded in 2019 in Kenya, Team Lioness is an all-female community ranger unit operating in Ole Narika conservancy, a corridor which connects Amboseli National Park with the Tsavo ecosystem and serves as a vital migratory route for elephants and other wildlife that would otherwise face increasing pressure from human encroachment. The team regularly patrols up to 400 km a month on foot, monitoring wildlife movements, tracking species using GPS technology and curbing the illegal extraction of natural resources, including excessive firewood collection.

Also in 2019, a female rangers team was established in Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park in Dongning, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Over the past seven years, the team has been engaged in activities including routine inspections to remove traps, maintenance of monitoring equipment, wildlife rescue, and public education on wildlife protection.

From African savannas to Chinese forests, every step taken by rangers connects us in a shared pledge to protect the wild. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

(260731) -- NAIROBI, July 31, 2026 (Xinhua) -- An aerial drone photo taken on July 22, 2026 shows members of Team Lioness patrolling at Ole Narika conservancy in Kajiado County, in Kenya. World Ranger Day is observed on July 31 annually to commemorate rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and to celebrate the work rangers do to protect the world's natural and cultural heritage.

Founded in 2019 in Kenya, Team Lioness is an all-female community ranger unit operating in Ole Narika conservancy, a corridor which connects Amboseli National Park with the Tsavo ecosystem and serves as a vital migratory route for elephants and other wildlife that would otherwise face increasing pressure from human encroachment. The team regularly patrols up to 400 km a month on foot, monitoring wildlife movements, tracking species using GPS technology and curbing the illegal extraction of natural resources, including excessive firewood collection.

Also in 2019, a female rangers team was established in Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park in Dongning, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Over the past seven years, the team has been engaged in activities including routine inspections to remove traps, maintenance of monitoring equipment, wildlife rescue, and public education on wildlife protection.

From African savannas to Chinese forests, every step taken by rangers connects us in a shared pledge to protect the wild. (Xinhua/Xie Jianfei)

(260731) -- NAIROBI, July 31, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Members of Team Lioness do morning exercises at a camp in Ole Narika conservancy in Kajiado County, Kenya, July 22, 2026. World Ranger Day is observed on July 31 annually to commemorate rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and to celebrate the work rangers do to protect the world's natural and cultural heritage.

Founded in 2019 in Kenya, Team Lioness is an all-female community ranger unit operating in Ole Narika conservancy, a corridor which connects Amboseli National Park with the Tsavo ecosystem and serves as a vital migratory route for elephants and other wildlife that would otherwise face increasing pressure from human encroachment. The team regularly patrols up to 400 km a month on foot, monitoring wildlife movements, tracking species using GPS technology and curbing the illegal extraction of natural resources, including excessive firewood collection.

Also in 2019, a female rangers team was established in Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park in Dongning, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Over the past seven years, the team has been engaged in activities including routine inspections to remove traps, maintenance of monitoring equipment, wildlife rescue, and public education on wildlife protection.

From African savannas to Chinese forests, every step taken by rangers connects us in a shared pledge to protect the wild. (Xinhua/Xie Jianfei)

Female rangers of Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park communicate ahead of a patrol in Dongning, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, July 23, 2026. World Ranger Day is observed on July 31 annually to commemorate rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and to celebrate the work rangers do to protect the world's natural and cultural heritage.

Founded in 2019 in Kenya, Team Lioness is an all-female community ranger unit operating in Ole Narika conservancy, a corridor which connects Amboseli National Park with the Tsavo ecosystem and serves as a vital migratory route for elephants and other wildlife that would otherwise face increasing pressure from human encroachment. The team regularly patrols up to 400 km a month on foot, monitoring wildlife movements, tracking species using GPS technology and curbing the illegal extraction of natural resources, including excessive firewood collection.

Also in 2019, a female rangers team was established in Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park in Dongning, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Over the past seven years, the team has been engaged in activities including routine inspections to remove traps, maintenance of monitoring equipment, wildlife rescue, and public education on wildlife protection.

From African savannas to Chinese forests, every step taken by rangers connects us in a shared pledge to protect the wild. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

Female rangers patrol in Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park in Dongning, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, July 23, 2026. World Ranger Day is observed on July 31 annually to commemorate rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and to celebrate the work rangers do to protect the world's natural and cultural heritage.

Founded in 2019 in Kenya, Team Lioness is an all-female community ranger unit operating in Ole Narika conservancy, a corridor which connects Amboseli National Park with the Tsavo ecosystem and serves as a vital migratory route for elephants and other wildlife that would otherwise face increasing pressure from human encroachment. The team regularly patrols up to 400 km a month on foot, monitoring wildlife movements, tracking species using GPS technology and curbing the illegal extraction of natural resources, including excessive firewood collection.

Also in 2019, a female rangers team was established in Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park in Dongning, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Over the past seven years, the team has been engaged in activities including routine inspections to remove traps, maintenance of monitoring equipment, wildlife rescue, and public education on wildlife protection.

From African savannas to Chinese forests, every step taken by rangers connects us in a shared pledge to protect the wild. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 23, 2026 shows female rangers patrolling in Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park in Dongning, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. World Ranger Day is observed on July 31 annually to commemorate rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and to celebrate the work rangers do to protect the world's natural and cultural heritage.

Founded in 2019 in Kenya, Team Lioness is an all-female community ranger unit operating in Ole Narika conservancy, a corridor which connects Amboseli National Park with the Tsavo ecosystem and serves as a vital migratory route for elephants and other wildlife that would otherwise face increasing pressure from human encroachment. The team regularly patrols up to 400 km a month on foot, monitoring wildlife movements, tracking species using GPS technology and curbing the illegal extraction of natural resources, including excessive firewood collection.

Also in 2019, a female rangers team was established in Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park in Dongning, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Over the past seven years, the team has been engaged in activities including routine inspections to remove traps, maintenance of monitoring equipment, wildlife rescue, and public education on wildlife protection.

From African savannas to Chinese forests, every step taken by rangers connects us in a shared pledge to protect the wild. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

(260731) -- NAIROBI, July 31, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Members of Team Lioness record the location of wild animals at Ole Narika conservancy in Kajiado County, Kenya, July 22, 2026. World Ranger Day is observed on July 31 annually to commemorate rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and to celebrate the work rangers do to protect the world's natural and cultural heritage.

Founded in 2019 in Kenya, Team Lioness is an all-female community ranger unit operating in Ole Narika conservancy, a corridor which connects Amboseli National Park with the Tsavo ecosystem and serves as a vital migratory route for elephants and other wildlife that would otherwise face increasing pressure from human encroachment. The team regularly patrols up to 400 km a month on foot, monitoring wildlife movements, tracking species using GPS technology and curbing the illegal extraction of natural resources, including excessive firewood collection.

Also in 2019, a female rangers team was established in Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park in Dongning, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Over the past seven years, the team has been engaged in activities including routine inspections to remove traps, maintenance of monitoring equipment, wildlife rescue, and public education on wildlife protection.

From African savannas to Chinese forests, every step taken by rangers connects us in a shared pledge to protect the wild. (Xinhua/Xie Jianfei)

(260731) -- NAIROBI, July 31, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Purity Lakara (C), a team leader of Team Lioness, uses a telescope during a patrol at Ole Narika conservancy in Kajiado County, Kenya, July 22, 2026. World Ranger Day is observed on July 31 annually to commemorate rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and to celebrate the work rangers do to protect the world's natural and cultural heritage.

Founded in 2019 in Kenya, Team Lioness is an all-female community ranger unit operating in Ole Narika conservancy, a corridor which connects Amboseli National Park with the Tsavo ecosystem and serves as a vital migratory route for elephants and other wildlife that would otherwise face increasing pressure from human encroachment. The team regularly patrols up to 400 km a month on foot, monitoring wildlife movements, tracking species using GPS technology and curbing the illegal extraction of natural resources, including excessive firewood collection.

Also in 2019, a female rangers team was established in Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park in Dongning, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Over the past seven years, the team has been engaged in activities including routine inspections to remove traps, maintenance of monitoring equipment, wildlife rescue, and public education on wildlife protection.

From African savannas to Chinese forests, every step taken by rangers connects us in a shared pledge to protect the wild. (Xinhua/Xie Jianfei)

A female ranger checks a monitoring camera in Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park in Dongning, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, July 23, 2026. World Ranger Day is observed on July 31 annually to commemorate rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and to celebrate the work rangers do to protect the world's natural and cultural heritage.

Founded in 2019 in Kenya, Team Lioness is an all-female community ranger unit operating in Ole Narika conservancy, a corridor which connects Amboseli National Park with the Tsavo ecosystem and serves as a vital migratory route for elephants and other wildlife that would otherwise face increasing pressure from human encroachment. The team regularly patrols up to 400 km a month on foot, monitoring wildlife movements, tracking species using GPS technology and curbing the illegal extraction of natural resources, including excessive firewood collection.

Also in 2019, a female rangers team was established in Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park in Dongning, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Over the past seven years, the team has been engaged in activities including routine inspections to remove traps, maintenance of monitoring equipment, wildlife rescue, and public education on wildlife protection.

From African savannas to Chinese forests, every step taken by rangers connects us in a shared pledge to protect the wild. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

Female rangers of Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park pose for photos in Dongning, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, July 23, 2026. World Ranger Day is observed on July 31 annually to commemorate rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and to celebrate the work rangers do to protect the world's natural and cultural heritage.

Founded in 2019 in Kenya, Team Lioness is an all-female community ranger unit operating in Ole Narika conservancy, a corridor which connects Amboseli National Park with the Tsavo ecosystem and serves as a vital migratory route for elephants and other wildlife that would otherwise face increasing pressure from human encroachment. The team regularly patrols up to 400 km a month on foot, monitoring wildlife movements, tracking species using GPS technology and curbing the illegal extraction of natural resources, including excessive firewood collection.

Also in 2019, a female rangers team was established in Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park in Dongning, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Over the past seven years, the team has been engaged in activities including routine inspections to remove traps, maintenance of monitoring equipment, wildlife rescue, and public education on wildlife protection.

From African savannas to Chinese forests, every step taken by rangers connects us in a shared pledge to protect the wild. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

(260731) -- NAIROBI, July 31, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Members of Team Lioness do morning exercises at a camp in Ole Narika conservancy in Kajiado County, Kenya, July 22, 2026. World Ranger Day is observed on July 31 annually to commemorate rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and to celebrate the work rangers do to protect the world's natural and cultural heritage.

Founded in 2019 in Kenya, Team Lioness is an all-female community ranger unit operating in Ole Narika conservancy, a corridor which connects Amboseli National Park with the Tsavo ecosystem and serves as a vital migratory route for elephants and other wildlife that would otherwise face increasing pressure from human encroachment. The team regularly patrols up to 400 km a month on foot, monitoring wildlife movements, tracking species using GPS technology and curbing the illegal extraction of natural resources, including excessive firewood collection.

Also in 2019, a female rangers team was established in Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park in Dongning, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Over the past seven years, the team has been engaged in activities including routine inspections to remove traps, maintenance of monitoring equipment, wildlife rescue, and public education on wildlife protection.

From African savannas to Chinese forests, every step taken by rangers connects us in a shared pledge to protect the wild. (Xinhua/Xie Jianfei)

(260731) -- NAIROBI, July 31, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Members of Team Lioness talk with local Maasai villagers at southern Amboseli in Kajiado County, Kenya, July 22, 2026. World Ranger Day is observed on July 31 annually to commemorate rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and to celebrate the work rangers do to protect the world's natural and cultural heritage.

Founded in 2019 in Kenya, Team Lioness is an all-female community ranger unit operating in Ole Narika conservancy, a corridor which connects Amboseli National Park with the Tsavo ecosystem and serves as a vital migratory route for elephants and other wildlife that would otherwise face increasing pressure from human encroachment. The team regularly patrols up to 400 km a month on foot, monitoring wildlife movements, tracking species using GPS technology and curbing the illegal extraction of natural resources, including excessive firewood collection.

Also in 2019, a female rangers team was established in Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park in Dongning, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Over the past seven years, the team has been engaged in activities including routine inspections to remove traps, maintenance of monitoring equipment, wildlife rescue, and public education on wildlife protection.

From African savannas to Chinese forests, every step taken by rangers connects us in a shared pledge to protect the wild. (Xinhua/Xie Jianfei)

Female rangers patrol in Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park in Dongning, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, July 23, 2026. World Ranger Day is observed on July 31 annually to commemorate rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and to celebrate the work rangers do to protect the world's natural and cultural heritage.

Founded in 2019 in Kenya, Team Lioness is an all-female community ranger unit operating in Ole Narika conservancy, a corridor which connects Amboseli National Park with the Tsavo ecosystem and serves as a vital migratory route for elephants and other wildlife that would otherwise face increasing pressure from human encroachment. The team regularly patrols up to 400 km a month on foot, monitoring wildlife movements, tracking species using GPS technology and curbing the illegal extraction of natural resources, including excessive firewood collection.

Also in 2019, a female rangers team was established in Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park in Dongning, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Over the past seven years, the team has been engaged in activities including routine inspections to remove traps, maintenance of monitoring equipment, wildlife rescue, and public education on wildlife protection.

From African savannas to Chinese forests, every step taken by rangers connects us in a shared pledge to protect the wild. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

(260731) -- NAIROBI, July 31, 2026 (Xinhua) -- A member of Team Lioness uses a drone to check the surrounding conditions at Ole Narika conservancy in Kajiado County, Kenya, July 22, 2026. World Ranger Day is observed on July 31 annually to commemorate rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and to celebrate the work rangers do to protect the world's natural and cultural heritage.

Founded in 2019 in Kenya, Team Lioness is an all-female community ranger unit operating in Ole Narika conservancy, a corridor which connects Amboseli National Park with the Tsavo ecosystem and serves as a vital migratory route for elephants and other wildlife that would otherwise face increasing pressure from human encroachment. The team regularly patrols up to 400 km a month on foot, monitoring wildlife movements, tracking species using GPS technology and curbing the illegal extraction of natural resources, including excessive firewood collection.

Also in 2019, a female rangers team was established in Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park in Dongning, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Over the past seven years, the team has been engaged in activities including routine inspections to remove traps, maintenance of monitoring equipment, wildlife rescue, and public education on wildlife protection.

From African savannas to Chinese forests, every step taken by rangers connects us in a shared pledge to protect the wild. (Xinhua/Xie Jianfei)

(260731) -- NAIROBI, July 31, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Members of Team Lioness watch zebras during a patrol at Ole Narika conservancy in Kajiado County, Kenya, July 22, 2026. World Ranger Day is observed on July 31 annually to commemorate rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and to celebrate the work rangers do to protect the world's natural and cultural heritage.

Founded in 2019 in Kenya, Team Lioness is an all-female community ranger unit operating in Ole Narika conservancy, a corridor which connects Amboseli National Park with the Tsavo ecosystem and serves as a vital migratory route for elephants and other wildlife that would otherwise face increasing pressure from human encroachment. The team regularly patrols up to 400 km a month on foot, monitoring wildlife movements, tracking species using GPS technology and curbing the illegal extraction of natural resources, including excessive firewood collection.

Also in 2019, a female rangers team was established in Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park in Dongning, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Over the past seven years, the team has been engaged in activities including routine inspections to remove traps, maintenance of monitoring equipment, wildlife rescue, and public education on wildlife protection.

From African savannas to Chinese forests, every step taken by rangers connects us in a shared pledge to protect the wild. (Xinhua/Xie Jianfei)

(260731) -- NAIROBI, July 31, 2026 (Xinhua) -- An aerial drone photo taken on July 22, 2026 shows a camp of Team Lioness at Ole Narika conservancy in Kajiado County, Kenya. World Ranger Day is observed on July 31 annually to commemorate rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and to celebrate the work rangers do to protect the world's natural and cultural heritage.

Founded in 2019 in Kenya, Team Lioness is an all-female community ranger unit operating in Ole Narika conservancy, a corridor which connects Amboseli National Park with the Tsavo ecosystem and serves as a vital migratory route for elephants and other wildlife that would otherwise face increasing pressure from human encroachment. The team regularly patrols up to 400 km a month on foot, monitoring wildlife movements, tracking species using GPS technology and curbing the illegal extraction of natural resources, including excessive firewood collection.

Also in 2019, a female rangers team was established in Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park in Dongning, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Over the past seven years, the team has been engaged in activities including routine inspections to remove traps, maintenance of monitoring equipment, wildlife rescue, and public education on wildlife protection.

From African savannas to Chinese forests, every step taken by rangers connects us in a shared pledge to protect the wild. (Xinhua/Xie Jianfei)