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On this World Wildlife Day, we take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey of the dedicated conservationists who have used EarthRanger as a tool to protect wildlife, landscapes and their own colleagues.
Over the past ten years, the platform has evolved from an ambitious idea from our founder, Paul G. Allen, into a widely adopted platform that helps conservation organizations worldwide. But today, the focus isn’t on technology–it’s on the people. Rangers, ecologists, and park managers work tirelessly to safeguard nature, promote human-wildlife coexistence, and–just as importantly–ensure the safety of those on front lines.
When EarthRanger (known as DAS back then) was first introduced in 2015, it was designed to empower terrestrial teams in Africa with the real-time data they needed to address the poaching crisis happening at the time. Three of our founding partners–Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya, the Grumeti Fund in Tanzania, and African Parks Network (along with others)–were not just instrumental but critical in ensuring that the platform was built to meet the needs of those on the ground. While the platform has changed a lot, its purpose remains the same: accelerate the way conservationists make decisions for wildlife and their ecosystems..
John Pameri, Head of Security at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy reflects on the EarthRanger’s impact:, “We must always be one step ahead of poachers to effectively combat this threat. With EarthRanger, we can easily track animal movements, detect poaching threats, and coordinate rapid responses from a single dashboard. This data-driven approach allows us to make informed decisions that enhance security and curb poaching."
The continued dedication of long-time partners like Lewa–and their invaluable feedback–has shaped EarthRanger into what it is today: a platform designed to meet the evolving needs of conservation. This evolution has also been experienced at the Grumeti Fund. Matt Perry, General Manager of the Grumeti Fund says:
“As one of the first EarthRanger users, this groundbreaking real-time software solution has transformed the way Grumeti Fund delivers conservation impact. From accurately mapping invasive alien plant species to being the cornerstone of our human-wildlife conflict mitigation response, or tracking the movements of critically endangered black rhino, this innovative tool has revolutionized our approach to safeguarding wildlife and people. Our dedicated teams apply its functionality daily, enhancing our ability to help protect the Serengeti ecosystem.”
The growth of EarthRanger has mirrored the expanding reach of its users, who now protect some of the world’s most complex and vast wilderness areas. One striking example is Boma-Badingilo National Park in South Sudan, managed by African Parks, where EarthRanger plays a key role in helping those there secure lasting benefits for people and wildlife.
In this enormous landscape, where vast distances and logistical challenges make conservation work particularly difficult, EarthRanger and EarthRanger Mobile help ensure the safety of rangers across the terrain, providing them with critical situational awareness and connectivity in remote areas.
“EarthRanger enables our conservation teams to monitor the largest land mammal migration on earth in one of the most remote regions in Africa by giving real-time access to the location of various collared animals. This forms a vital part of understanding the migration and its movement in the Boma Badingilo Jonglei Landscape and will guide decisions to conserve the migration and this ecosystem for future generations.” Jan Fourie, Park Manager of Boma National Park
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Each EarthRanger user represents a story of commitment, perseverance, and innovation. Whether tracking threatened or endangered species, coordinating anti-poaching patrols, or mitigating human-wildlife conflict, these individuals and organizations inspire us every day. As conservation teams have taken EarthRanger into new environments–beyond Africa, beyond anti-poaching and into marine and other ecosystems–, the ways they use it to protect wildlife grow. From the seas of South East Asia where manta rays are being monitored to Latin America where significant strides have been made in the protection of humpback whales through the use of EarthRanger to track their migration and behaviors.
As we mark ten years of EarthRanger, we are immensely grateful for the partnerships, collaborations, and trust that conservation teams worldwide have placed in us. Their work on the frontlines of conservation is what drives us to continuously improve and adapt the platform to meet their needs. It also serves as a reminder that technology alone does not safeguard natural landscapes—people do. Conservation technologies such as EarthRanger are merely tools in the toolbox, but in the hands of passionate conservationists, they can become a powerful force for good.
On this World Wildlife Day, we celebrate the progress made and the people behind it. To all the rangers, ecoguardians, researchers, and conservationists who dedicate their lives to protecting our planet’s most precious places—thank you. Here’s to the next decade of innovation, impact, and collective action for wildlife and wild places. We will leave you with a quote shared at a recent EarthRanger team meeting: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." – Margaret Mead.
