In this exclusive conversation, Calvin Manika (CM) sits down with Amos Gwema (AG), a proud alumnus of the Tusk Ranger Awards, to explore the realities of frontline conservation work in Africa. Gwema reflects on his journey into wildlife protection, the challenges rangers face in safeguarding endangered species, and the impact that international recognition has had on his career and community.
The interview offers rare insight into the courage, resilience, and commitment required to defend biodiversity under often dangerous conditions, while also highlighting the importance of supporting rangers as critical stewards of Africa’s natural heritage. Through personal stories and professional reflections, Gwema provides a powerful perspective on conservation from the ground level, where the battle to protect wildlife is fought every day.
CM: Can you tell me about your background and what inspired you to become a wildlife ranger
in Zimbabwe?
AG: I grew up in Masvingo, and it is interesting how life turned out, because I had never even
seen a wild animal up close until I joined National Parks in 2007. After completing my secondary education, I joined the Zimbabwe Republic Police as a Junior Constable. I spent 10 years in the police force, with 5 of those years being part of the Criminal Investigation Department. My experience in the Police force was valuable, and it equipped me with the necessary skills to tackle complex issues.
My transfer to CID Headquarters Interpol as an Environmental Crime desk officer was a turning point for me. It was there that I witnessed the prevalence of wildlife crime and environmental destruction. I saw how these crimes were being committed, and the impact they had on our environment and communities. This experience sparked my interest in wildlife conservation, and I began reading and researching more about it.
I wanted to be part of the solution, to make a difference in protecting our wildlife and environment. When Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority advertised for Wildlife Investigation Officers, I applied, and I was successful. I was initially supposed to be stationed in Masvingo, according to my letter of appointment from Human Resources. But, my Divisional boss changed the plan, and I was told to report for duty in Hwange instead. As someone who was not in a position to question the decision, I did not complain and went to Hwange, following the principles of a Police Officer – that you complain after duty, not before.
Little did I know, this change of plan would be a blessing in disguise. I started my conservation journey in Hwange, and it’s been a remarkable ride. I have found that my success is largely due to the support and involvement of the community – they are crucial partners in this effort. My training as a Police Officer taught me discipline and adaptability, and I am grateful that I was able to apply those skills to my new role in wildlife conservation. To date I have 29 cumulative years in the field of law enforcement and am still cruising in the field as wildlife law enforcement conservationist.
CM: What does being a ranger mean to you personally – beyond it being a profession?
AG: Being a ranger is more than just a job to me, it’s a calling. It’s a deep-seated passion to protect and conserve our precious wildlife and the natural world they inhabit. As a ranger, I see myself as a guardian, a custodian of our natural heritage, and a defender of the voiceless creatures that roam our land. It’s a role that requires unwavering commitment, dedication, and a willingness to put myself in harm’s way, every single day.
The truth is, being a ranger is not for the faint-hearted. It’s a profession that demands sacrifice, courage, and resilience. We are not just talking about a 9-to-5 job, with a comfortable office and a fat pay check. No, being a ranger means being out in the bush, facing dangers head-on, and confronting poachers who won’t hesitate to take your life. It means being bitten by snakes, mauled by wild animals, and baking under the scorching sun, all in the line of duty.
And what do we get in return? A modest salary, that’s it. No lucrative benefits, no fancy perks, no recognition. It’s a tough, tough job, but someone’s got do it. For me, it’s the thought of making a difference, of playing a small part in preserving our wildlife for future generations that keeps me going. As I always say, “A ranger’s duty is not just a job, it’s a calling to protect the wild, to preserve the land, and to defend the defenceless.”
“A ranger’s heart beats with the wild, and their soul is forever tied to the land.”
CM: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced early in your career?
AG: The challenges I faced early in my career as a ranger. Here are some of the biggest hurdles I had to overcome:
· Manpower shortage: When I was first deployed to Hwange, I was the only ranger, and we were a team of two. It was tough to cover the entire area effectively, but I requested for more manpower, and thankfully, it was approved.
· Transport problems: There was no transport available, so I had to use my personal vehicle and even hire others using my own salary. Not ideal, but it had to be done.
· Wildlife crime was not taken seriously: I remember arresting two individuals with 80 kilogrammes of ivory and a rifle, but they were just asked to pay a fine. It was demotivating, considering the resources we had put into making the arrest.
· Lobbying for change: That experience sparked me to lobby for more deterrent sentences, and I am glad to say wildlife offences now carry more weight, but there is still work to be done.
· Personal sacrifices: I lost my personal vehicle in an accident while my junior officer was pursuing poachers. It was not replaced, but it did not deter me from my mission.
· Misconceptions about my role: As an Investigation Officer, some colleagues saw me as someone who targets fellow rangers. It was tough to convince them I am there to support their work, gather intelligence, and help with strategic deployments. These challenges made me realise that conservation is a tough, but necessary, fight.
CM: How did you feel when you found out you had won the ranger Award from Tusk
Trust?
AG: I still remember the day I found out I had won the Ranger Award from Tusk Trust. It was a complete surprise, to be honest. I did not know anyone at Tusk, and I did not expect to receive such an award. I am just a ranger who shows up to work every day, doing what I love – protecting our wildlife and preserving the natural world.
To be recognised for my efforts was overwhelming, especially since I considered myself a nobody in the grand scheme of things. No connections, no influential friends, just a regular ranger doing my job to the best of my abilities. But apparently, that was enough. The news had a profound impact on me – I was an unknown ranger, and suddenly, I was being hailed as an African icon in conservation. It was surreal, but in a good way. A great feeling, really.
The award has given me a renewed sense of purpose, and it is pushing me to do even better than I have before. I am grateful for the recognition, and it motivates me to keep pushing the boundaries, to keep fighting for our wildlife, and to inspire others to do the same.
‘Recognition is not the goal, but it is a powerful motivator to keep pushing forward,
and I am grateful for the push.’
CM: What did you think set you apart as a candidate for the Tusk Conservation Awards?
AG: I believe what sets me apart as a candidate for the Tusk Conservation Awards is my approach to wildlife conservation, which focuses on working with local communities outside the park to gather intelligence. I think that communities are the first line of defence when it comes to protecting wildlife, and my work is centred on building relationships with them to prevent wildlife crime.
Some of the achievements that I think have contributed to my recognition include:
· Arresting over 3,000 poachers
· Recovering tonnes of ivory and cyanide
· Recovering hundreds of rifles
· Recovering hundreds of live pangolins, which were subsequently returned to the wild
· A significant reduction in wildlife crime in the Hwange area.
A key achievement of mine is writing a book titled ‘Safeguarding Wildlife – a manual for Investigation, Enforcement and Conservation’. This book is one of the first of its kind, focusing on wildlife law enforcement, and is based on my practical experiences in the field. It has become a primary source for training wildlife law enforcement officials worldwide. My approach to conservation, combined with these achievements, has made a tangible impact on the ground, and I believe this is what set me apart as a candidate for the Tusk Conservation Awards.
My work is driven by the belief that effective law enforcement and community engagement are crucial to protecting our wildlife for future generations.
CM: Did the recognition change your life or career trajectory? If so how?
AG: The recognition from the Tusk Conservation Awards has definitely changed my career trajectory, and for the better. It has opened up opportunities for me to make a more significant impact in my community and in conservation efforts.
Yes, the award has had a profound impact on my life and career. Professionally, it has given me a platform to contribute more effectively to conservation efforts. Here are some of the ways the award has made a difference:
· I have been able to offer rewards for information leading to wildlife crime prevention, which has helped reduce wildlife crime in the area.
· I have distributed environmental books from Tusk Pace to schools such as Thomas Coulter and Ndlovu secondary, promoting environmental education.
· I have also distributed T-shirts with conservation messages, spreading awareness about the importance of protecting our wildlife.
· The award has enabled me to assist the community more effectively, something I wasn’t able to do before.
· I am currently using some of the funds from the award to develop a conservation centre in Dick Village, which will showcase our achievements and house a library.
· The conservation centre will also have a project for local traditional chickens, which will be hatched and distributed to community members, providing a sustainable source of income for marginalised families.
· Some schools, like Chilanga, have also benefited from the Tusk award grant, which was used to support a prize-giving ceremony. Overall, the recognition has allowed me to expand my reach and make a more meaningful contribution to conservation efforts, while also giving back to the community. It has been a game-changer for me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue making a difference.
To be continued on Part 2
