Sierra Leone: Sierra Leone Rangers Fight Uphill Battle against Deforestation

Jul 17, 2024 | Alice Chancellor, Phys.org
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As the rainclouds descend on Sierra Leone's tropical Kambui forest, a handful of khaki-clad rangers assemble for their daily patrol in the fight to preserve the West African country's dwindling wilderness.

The team are from the National Protected Area Authority (NPAA) and are tasked with guarding the rainforest from encroaching illegal miners and loggers.

But with just 62 wardens to cover some 14,000 hectares (35,000 acres), it's an arduous game of cat and mouse.

"The devastation is getting worse every day," said Sheku Jusu, 36, the regional NPAA conservation officer.