Purity Amleset's black combat boots graze through the long brown blades of grass at one of Kenya's most iconic National Parks, the Amboseli. Her Black Covid-19 protective mask hides her tension. But fear is just part of the job, she says. The 24-year-old is the team leader of Kenya's first all-female ranger unit - Team Lioness.
The unit comprises of 8 extra-ordinary women, selected based on leadership skills, academic achievements, and integrity.
Amselet's unit is based under the Olgulului Community Wildlife Rangers (OCWR) on the border of Tanzania and Kenya, mandated with protecting the traditional Maasai community land that surrounds Amboseli National Park.
They serve as the first line of defense against the poaching and retaliatory killing of elephants, lions, giraffes, cheetahs, and other iconic wildlife that frequent's the illustrious Savannah Plains.
The all-female task force was created by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) in 2017.
“I risk my life to spare the life of wildlife. I grew up here with wildlife as our friends. We thrive together. We share our water points with the local wildlife,” Amselet explained during an interview.
A typical day in the life of the local heroes involves a 20km patrol across the 363,000-acre wildlife sanctuary while looking out for threats like snares or any suspicious activity.
They are also tasked with tracking and recording GPS coordinates of wildlife sightings.
According to 20-year-old Sharon Nankinyi - a member of the ranger unit, their greatest threat comes from dangerous animals which pounce without hesitation, "If you meet them in the bush, they can attack you," she stated.
Watch Amselet and her team below:
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However, the rangers know that protecting the animals ensures a steady income for their families and that without wildlife, people will not survive, and without people, wildlife will not survive.
The group has had close run-ins with a herd of feisty buffalos, lions and other members of Kenya's big five, but the unique traits that saw them selected for the job have always seen them come through unscathed.
Part of the unit's job is to furnish the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), with relevant information concerning the state of the National Park, and any potential threat that may need immediate attention.
Amselet's unit has been lauded the world over for defying constraining social norms and creating new opportunities for women.
The team Lioness rangers are the first women in the history of their families to secure employment.
The coronavirus pandemic has added to the list of challenges for the rangers stationed on the frontline of the war against poaching.
COVID-19 decimated tourism revenues with Tourism CS Najib Balala announcing that the industry lost Ksh80 billion in the first six months of the year.
On July 1, CS Balala announced a reduction of entry fees to major wildlife sanctuaries for both local and foreign tourists in order to revive the sector that has borne the brunt of the pandemic.
