South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced 33 new field rangers for the Kruger National Park (KNP) who were inaugurated at the passing out parade held on Tuesday at Skukuza.
The 33 graduates are part of the recruits who went through a rigorous pre-selection and selection process, followed by a six-week Basic Field Ranger Training course.
The new recruits will provide the much-needed boost to the current team of ranger corps and should be seen as a necessary measure to support Law Enforcement and Biodiversity Conservation efforts in the park, giving invaluable support to the men and women working on the ground.
The pre-selection and selection process which took place in July 2024 required hopeful trainees to undergo physical fitness screening, evaluations and interviews, cognitive and aptitude tests.
They also had to portray a dedicated attitude, as well as a commitment to teamwork to qualify for the job.
The 33 field rangers who succeeded, completed the holistic intense six weeks training which led to the passing out parade.
Their deployment to the various sections throughout the park is with immediate effect.
Kruger National Park is divided into 22 ranger sections
It is an absolute must that SANParks prioritises the protection of this heritage and ensures that the total control of the protected area is managed by those tasked with the upkeep of the area integrity.
Under Ranger Services, the Kruger National Park is divided into 22 ranger sections, each section managed by a Section Ranger who is supported by a group of field rangers.
Over and above these 22 sections, there are Regional Rangers who manage a number of ranger sections, the Environmental Crime Investigations Unit, Protection Services, Special Operations Unit, K9 unit and Air Services Unit who all support the parks Law Enforcement and Biodiversity Conservation objectives.
The park is further supported by SAPS and the SAPS Stock Theft and Endangered Species unit based in Skukuza.
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