In a display of collaboration and commitment to conservation, the Johannesburg Region of the SHR teamed up with the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) to run a book collection initiative. The initiative aimed to provide field rangers in the KNP with pre-owned natural history books and field guides to enhance their knowledge of the park’s ecology and biodiversity, which they are tasked with safeguarding. Michelle du Plessis, CEO, and Louise Pavid, Head of Marketing at FGASA, drove the initiative by appealing to the FGASA membership via their digital and newsletter platforms. FGASA’s office in Hoedspruit played a pivotal role, serving as a central collection point. The response to the book collection initiative was truly heartening, with a remarkable outpouring of support from individuals passionate about conservation. Donated books included fiction, non-fiction and photo books. Volunteers from the Johannesburg Region sorted the more than 14 boxes filled with donated books and organised their transport to Section Rangers in Kruger National Park. Here, they were gratefully received by field rangers eager to expand their knowledge and deepen their understanding of the park’s ecology and natural history. The initiative not only provided valuable educational resources for field rangers, but also saw books donated to the StevensonHamilton Museum and Library in Skukuza. This collaborative project aims to support the field rangers at the frontline of conservation, equipping them to effectively protect South Africa’s precious biodiversity. Collecting books for field rangers Contact Ian Calaca iancalaca@workmail.co.za SANParks Honorary Rangers 2024 149
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