When Simple Equipment Saves Nature: The Story of Sierra de Los Agustinos’ Rangers
“Rangers perform indispensable work as the first line of defence of our protected natural areas.”
– Ranger Eliot, Mexico
One of the most inspiring parts of our work at Thin Green Line is hearing firsthand from rangers about how even basic equipment can make an extraordinary difference in their ability to protect nature. This story from a dedicated team of rangers in Mexico shows just how powerful that impact can be.
Sierra de Los Agustinos, covering around 200 square kilometres in central Mexico, was declared a protected area in 2002. Its importance lies not only in its rich natural heritage, but also in its vital role as a water source for more than 100,000 people. Along with the area’s diverse flora, Sierra de Los Agustinos is home to 29 mammal species including the shy and elusive bobcat, and 145 bird species. The area is also a significant site in the migratory route of the endangered Monarch butterfly.
📷Bonnie Kittle (L) and Erika Low (R) / Unsplash
Since 2019, a dedicated team of 23 rangers – mostly volunteers – has selflessly patrolled the area, working to combat hunting, poaching of plants and animals, illegal extraction of natural resources, deforestation and, perhaps the most dangerous part of their work, fighting forest fires. This incredible group of nature’s protectors are so committed that their work continues uninterrupted, even through changes in government and funding uncertainty.
Recently, the Thin Green Line team received a call for help from these frontline rangers in Mexico. They were patrolling without even the most basic equipment, putting the area – and themselves – at risk. They faced forest fires and venomous snakes without protective clothing or safety gear. They had no form of communication given the lack of phone signal in the park. Their response to emergency situations was hampered by a lack of reliable transport, and they were risking their own safety without basic first-aid equipment.
Thanks to the support of the Thin Green Line community, we were able to provide essential safety equipment, two-way radios, and first-aid kits. We also provided funds for the purchase of a motorbike, allowing the team permanent access to their own vehicle which has already transformed their response times and made their vital work safer.
📷 Guardabosques ANP Sierra de Los Agustinos, Acámbaro
Ranger Eliot had this message:
“The support with critical equipment for rangers that the Thin Green Line community provided has represented an unparalleled advance for our work, covering critical mobility, protection and the security needs of our team. In the last five years, forest fires had been fought without basic protective equipment, which increased the risks to our rangers. Recently we experienced the largest fire in years, yet our protected area was the least affected due largely to the availability of our own vehicle and radios. We were able to respond promptly, effectively, and safely. The vehicle belongs to the project and will always be available for the work of our rangers.”
📷 Guardabosques ANP Sierra de Los Agustinos, Acámbaro
“Our encounters with venomous snakes are numerous and high risk, but thanks to the support of Thin Green Line, all our rangers now have the basic protection equipment, including clothing, first-aid kits, and antidote for snake bites.”
“In addition to the direct benefits to the work of rangers, the support of Thin Green Line represents a boost to the spirit, mentality, and motivation of all the rangers. This support has come just when there were more doubts and fears, and has managed to make all those involved believe it is possible to achieve our objectives. Because of this support, we know that there are those who care for and support rangers, and that we are not alone.”
This Christmas, join us in sending a message to rangers in Mexico – and all around the world – that their work matters, and that the global Thin Green Line community truly cares about their safety and wellbeing. Donate to our Christmas Appeal here.
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