Yangyel Lhaden

The conservationist heroes—the forest rangers, those who have retired, once served, and those still patrolling—gathered yesterday to celebrate their efforts in conserving the country’s forests.

They marked World Ranger Day, a tribute to their relentless dedication in continuing Bhutan’s reputation as an environmental champion.

Dressed in their dark green uniforms, with hair neatly tied and makeup applied, women rangers stood proudly among their peers. One of them, with a shy smile, said, “We are not used to social events like this. I get social anxiety.” She laughed and added, “I feel more at ease talking to trees than to new people, but today we are launching reports from our field studies over the past year, and I couldn’t be prouder.”

The event unveiled four significant reports: the National Red Panda Survey Report 2023, Environmental DNA for Biodiversity Monitoring in Bhutan, Status of Biodiversity in Bhutan, and Forest Carbon Accounting for Protected Areas in Bhutan.

To generate the reports, rangers traversed challenging terrains, braving harsh weather conditions, and staying in the wild for days or weeks to collect crucial samples.

“Our deepest gratitude goes to the very foundation of this endeavor—our rangers,” Chief Forestry Officer, Sonam Wangdi said. “Their tireless efforts are a testament to their passion for conservation, and we commend them for their invaluable contribution.”

In the crowd stood Passang Tshering, 73, one of the oldest rangers, retired. He served 38 years with the forest department, earning numerous medals for his unwavering dedication. In 2007, during Bhutan’s first World Ranger Day, he received a certificate of appreciation from Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay.

“I was worried when I retired that the younger generation would not be interested in toiling in the forest like us, as this job demanded dedication, risks, and numerous challenges,” Passang Tshering said. “But I am proud that the younger generation is doing better than us.  Seeing these numerous reports, I couldn’t be prouder.”

The World Rangers Day celebrates not only the contributions of rangers and forests towards biodiversity conservation, but also honours the fallen rangers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Although no rangers in the country lost their lives in the past year, the International Ranger Federation reports that 150 rangers died in the line of duty between June 2022 and May 2023. This is the second highest number of ranger deaths in a 12-month period since records began in 2006. Common causes of death include homicide, firefighting, drowning, and animal attacks. In 2023, two rangers were killed by the Burma Army in Karen State, Myanmar.

In 2001, six forest guards from Royal Manas National Park died while returning from the Manas Range to the park headquarters in Gelephu. Miscreants from across the border ambushed them using explosive devices. Four survived the incident.

Another team from Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary faced a similar incident in December 2008. Three rangers were killed—Late Tshewang Norbu, Late Wangchu, and Late Kiran Barman. Laida Dukpa and Ranjit Mongar survived.

In December 2015, one ranger died from high altitude sickness and another fell from a steep cliff while conducting the national forest inventory. Since the 1990s, Bhutan lost 13 rangers and had 11 others injured in the line of duty up to 2017.

Menlam Zangmo, who has been serving as a ranger for the past 14 years, nearly lost her life  when she slipped and almost fell over a cliff during a patrolling duty.

“It is challenging to be a ranger and do patrolling, as we never know if poachers will attack us and we frequently encounter wildlife as well,” Menlam said. “My second child mostly grew up with neighbors looking after her while I was out in the wild on duty,” she shared.