Cathy Dreyer and Kerri Wolter
Kerri Wolter and Cathy Dreyer have called for greater recognition of female conservationists.
Wolter and Dreyer are using the weekend’s International Women’s Day and Monday’s World Wildlife Day to recruit fellow women to join in the fight to save wildlife and biodiversity in South Africa.
Dreyer is the first woman to be head ranger of the Kruger National Park (KNP). She was shocked when she won the TUSK Conversation Award. She said the award gave her exposure and elevated her work.
“It gave me the belief that l could take on a challenge as big as managing a park the size of Kruger.”
Dreyer won the Tusk Award in 2016, has been Head Ranger at Kruger as poaching syndicates mostly targeting rhinos for their horn have become ever more sophisticated, and well-armed. Her focus has been to recognise the needs of rangers as individuals, with equipment, training, respect, and career development. Where the job used to be about supplying water points, managing bush burns, and translocating wildlife, today to be a ranger is closer to being a soldier, she says.
She believes more women need to be recognised and encouraged in the conservation field.
“If you had asked me years ago whether I would become the first female head ranger of Kruger, I would have said no. At the outset of my career I was really quite happy to live in a tent and spend all my time among the animals. Winning the Tusk Conservation Award was a shock, but the exposure it gave me and how it elevated my work got me out of my comfort zone and made me think I have to do more. It gave me the belief that I could take on a challenge as big as managing a park the size of Kruger,” said Dreyer.
She also said the award pushed her towards more senior roles where she could make a wider impact on rhino conservation. “I took on more strategic leadership roles, and now I am in a position to make strategic decisions that can impact rhino and many other species as well as the people fighting for these species,”
“We often think awards should go to the big names, the people running large organizations, but it’s often the quiet, dedicated individuals making a real impact, especially those maybe feeling a little bit insignificant and not realizing what a big contribution they can make.” Dreyer says. “
While Wolter said “Rather than always nominating people in management positions, I would love to see more recognition for those on the ground, those doing the tough, physical labor, often in extreme conditions,” she said. “These are the people putting in the sweat and tears, and they deserve acknowledgment.”
Wolter also said she believe change needs to come from the younger generations as she would love to see true equality – 50/50 representation. “I don’t want men to overshadow women. Just because we work differently doesn’t mean we aren’t putting our hearts and souls into this work. We may approach things in different ways, but that doesn’t make our contributions any less valuable,” she said
Both women hope that International Women’s Day 2025 will serve as a catalyst for more women to step forward whether in conservation, leadership, or by applying for awards that can amplify their work.
Nominations are open until April 25, 2025.
Nominations must be submitted at www.tuskawards.com/nominations/
Tusk Conservation Awards Nominees cannot apply themselves. They must be nominated by someone else, who could be a friend, colleague, lecturer, teacher, mentor or mentee, supervisor, partner, or anyone who knows them well enough to complete the comprehensive nomination form.
Nominations will fall into one of three categories. Nominees may only be entered to one category:
Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa – This is a lifetime achievement award that recognises outstanding dedication and exceptional continued contribution to conservation in Africa.
The Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa – This award is given to an individual judged to be an inspiring mid-career conservationist in recognition of their outstanding contribution and leadership qualities.
Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award – This award gives international recognition to the dedication and commitment of an individual who works in the field to protect Africa’s wildlife and wild places.
