Wildlife Action Group Malawi

04/08/2026

The 9th Annual Law Enforcement Workshop was successfully held in Thuma Forest Reserve, bringing together key partners committed to protecting Malawi's forests and wildlife.
Thanks to the continued support of , our donors, and our government partners, this annual workshop strengthens collaboration between rangers, law enforcement agencies, and the judiciary. It provides an opportunity to review the challenges faced during 2025, celebrate positive conservation outcomes, and share lessons learned in combating environmental crime.
Representatives from the Malawi Police Service (MPS), CID, prosecution and community police officers, the Judiciary, the Department of Forestry, DNPW and other stakeholders gained a deeper understanding of wildlife and forest crime, the realities faced by rangers on the front line, and the importance of coordinated enforcement.
Displays and case studies highlighted the devastating impacts of illegal logging, charcoal production, wildlife poaching, illegal fi****ms, habitat destruction, and other environmental crimes, reinforcing why strong law enforcement is essential to safeguard Malawi's natural heritage.
Together, through partnership, knowledge sharing, and commitment, we are building a stronger response to protect Thuma Forest Reserve and its wildlife for future generations.

03/08/2026

THE THUMA CUP 2026 🏆
What an incredible few months it has been!
The Thuma Cup 2026 once again proved that football is far more than just a game—it's a powerful way to engage, inspire, and unite young people while promoting the protection of our forests and wildlife.
This year's tournament brought together 4 districts, 32 teams (8 teams from each district) competing for the chance to represent their district in the grand final. After months of exciting matches, congratulations to Thuma FA from Lilongwe District, who were crowned the 2026 champions!
The talent on display was outstanding. The skill, determination, teamwork, and physical fitness shown by these young athletes was truly inspiring. But alongside every match, there was another important message—raising awareness about the importance of protecting Thuma Forest Reserve, conserving wildlife, and becoming proud custodians of Malawi's natural heritage.
The Thuma Cup has become much more than an annual football tournament. It has created lasting friendships, strengthened communities across four districts, and given young people a platform to become ambassadors for conservation.
A huge thank you to all the players, coaches,refs, volunteers, supporters, donors of football kits and balls and partners who made this year's tournament such a success. Together, we are proving that conservation begins with people—and that the youth are leading the way.
Congratulations, Thuma FA! Champions of the Thuma Cup 2026!

01/08/2026

Behind every safe elephant and thriving forest is a Ranger on patrol. Support our Wildlife Ranger Challenge team and help us raise the funds needed to keep our Rangers in the field this year.
Click on the link below and donate what you can! We depend on you!
https://wildlife.rangerchallenge.org/campaigns/wildlife-action-group-malawi-2026

31/07/2026

Our Rangers protect Malawi's wildlife 24/7, but they can only do it with your support. This year's Wildlife Ranger Challenge is critical to help keep our Rangers employed and on patrol where they are needed most.
Snare removal is key to protecting wildlife.
Donate what you can to ensure our rangers stay in the field and find and remove snares by Clicking on the link below and donate what you can! We depend on you!
https://wildlife.rangerchallenge.org/campaigns/wildlife-action-group-malawi-2026

31/07/2026

He stands where few others will. Proud. Brave. Physically and mentally strong. Every day he protects nature, defends wildlife, and inspires hope—adapting to a rapidly changing world so that future generations inherit a living planet, not just memories.

We salut all the brave men and women all over the world.
WE STAND WITH THE WORLDS RANGERS

31/07/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1FKDSr4vxE/

Today, on World Ranger Day, we honour the rangers who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Between June 2025 and May 2026, at least 147 rangers from 40 countries lost their lives in the line of duty.

Homicide was the leading cause of death, accounting for 29% of all cases. Asia and Africa, together, represent 82% of all rangers on this year's Roll of Honour.

Over the past 18 years, more than 2,000 rangers have died while protecting wildlife and wild places.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of World Ranger Day. Please join us in standing with the world's rangers and conservation workers today.

27/07/2026

Meet Yammy.

Over 10 years ago, Yammy joined our team as a camp worker. Today, he is one of the most trusted, skilled, and respected members of the Wildlife Action Group family.

From pumping water and cleaning camp in his early days, Yammy now oversees maintenance across our operations. Whether it's plumbing, vehicle maintenance, electrical repairs, welding, sewing, fixing equipment, or caring for trees as one of our local experts, there is very little he can't turn his hand to.

What makes Yammy truly remarkable isn't just his incredible range of skills. He has had very little formal education, yet his mind is razor-sharp. He has an amazing ability to solve problems, learn new skills, and work out solutions where others might give up. His attitude has always been simple: "Can do. Will do."

Born in a village close to the forest boundary, Yammy is deeply committed to protecting this landscape and takes immense pride in his work. He is loyal, dedicated, dependable, and always willing to help wherever needed.

Perhaps the thing everyone notices most is his smile. In all the years we've worked together, we've rarely seen him angry or in a bad mood. He brings positivity, kindness, and quiet determination to every day.

People like Yammy are the heart of conservation. They remind us that success isn't built by one person—it's built by extraordinary local people who care deeply about their community, their forest, and each other.

We are incredibly fortunate to have Yammy on our team. Thank you for your dedication, your hard work, and for being one of the very best.

23/07/2026

Early morning magic...

As the sun began to rise over Thuma Forest, this incredible giant stick insect was already awake, quietly perched on the wall as if it too was enjoying the first light of a new day.

What an amazing creature!

Interestingly, we've noticed many more stick insects this year than in previous years. While it's difficult to know the exact reason, it could be a positive sign. Healthy insect populations are often linked to healthy ecosystems, with good vegetation, suitable habitat, and balanced natural conditions. It's certainly encouraging to see these remarkable insects becoming more common.

Stick insects are true masters of disguise. Their bodies have evolved to look almost exactly like twigs or small branches, helping them avoid birds and other predators. Some species even gently sway from side to side, mimicking a twig moving in the breeze, making them almost impossible to spot.

A few fascinating facts:
🌿 Some stick insects can grow to over 30 cm (12 inches) long, making them among the longest insects in the world.
🌿 They are harmless to people and survive by feeding mainly on leaves.
🌿 Their camouflage is so effective that you can walk straight past one without ever noticing it.
🌿 Many are most active at night, spending the daylight hours perfectly still to avoid detection.

These small encounters remind us that the forest isn't just home to elephants, leopards and antelope. There is an entire hidden world of extraordinary creatures, each playing its own important role in keeping nature in balance.

Sometimes the greatest wildlife sightings aren't the biggest—they're the ones hiding in plain sight.

Have you ever spotted a stick insect in the wild? 🌿

21/07/2026

Meet Yotham – a man whose roots run as deep as the forest he helps protect. 🌿💚

We are incredibly fortunate that every member of our team brings something unique to Wildlife Action Group. Together, those different skills and experiences make us stronger.

Today, we'd like you to meet Yotham, our Liaison and Operations Officer.

If you've ever visited Thuma Forest, there's a good chance you've met him. Whether he's coordinating operations, working with community leaders, welcoming visitors, or solving the hundred and one challenges that arise each day, Yotham somehow always keeps everything running smoothly—and always with a smile.

His role is vital. Building strong relationships with the communities surrounding Thuma is at the heart of successful conservation, and Yotham is one of the key people making that happen.

What makes his story even more special is that this is his home.

Born and raised just outside Thuma's main gate, Yotham remembers a very different landscape as a child. Back then, it was almost impossible to distinguish where the forest ended and customary land began. Trees stretched as far as the eye could see in every direction.

For the last 14 years, he has dedicated his life to protecting that forest.

He began as a ranger, patrolling the bush to protect wildlife and combat illegal activities. Today, his ranger experience remains invaluable. He still enjoys guiding guests through the forest, sharing its hidden corners, its wildlife, and the stories that make Thuma such a remarkable place.

Yotham is skilled, hardworking, deeply committed, and one of those people who leaves a lasting impression on everyone he meets. His positive attitude, knowledge, and genuine love for the forest make him a valued colleague and a wonderful ambassador for conservation.

And this photo says it all...

Standing proudly in one of Thuma's magnificent ancient baobab trees, it perfectly captures a man whose life has become intertwined with the landscape he has spent so many years protecting.

Thank you, Yotham, for everything you do. Thuma is stronger because of people like you. 🌳🐘❤️