Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association - RWCA

21/08/2026

From 300 Grey Crowned Cranes to 1,438 today. That recovery didn't happen on its own.

It happened because of Community Rangers on the ground, as well as our Community Conservation Champions, local communities, and people like YOU, who believed that change was possible, who supported conservation efforts, and who stood behind the dream of seeing Rwanda’s Grey Crowned Crane population rise again.

But the journey is not over. Grey Crowned Cranes are listed as Endangered globally and they still need our protection.

Stand with us to protect Grey Crowned Cranes and the wetlands they call home.

https://give.wildnet.org/campaign/805192/donate

19/08/2026

For the 4th consecutive year, RWCA is bringing back the Umusambi Gravel Race in partnership with FERWACY.

The race will take place this weekend on the gravel roads of Burera and Gicumbi Districts, around the beautiful Rugezi Marsh.

Rugezi Marsh is one of Rwanda’s most important wetlands. It provides critical habitat for the endangered Grey Crowned Crane, supports biodiversity, helps regulate water and plays an important role in the livelihoods of communities around it.

As riders take on the challenge, the event also creates an opportunity to share our conservation messages with people living nearby Rugezi, inspiring everyone to play a role in protecting this precious wetland.

17/08/2026

Our dedicated Community Rangers at Rugezi Marsh are preparing for the Wildlife Ranger Challenge organized by Tusk on September 21.

Last week, they participated in a push-up challenge, which served as a training opportunity to help them build strength, teamwork, and determination for the big day.

However, our Rangers need more than just training; they also need your support.

Stand with the men and women who protect Rwanda’s wildlife by supporting their fundraising campaign. Every contribution helps our Community Rangers continue their vital conservation work.
https://wildlife.rangerchallenge.org/campaigns/rwanda-wildlife-conservation-association-2026

14/08/2026

The results are in!

We are excited to share the results of our 10th national Grey Crowned Crane census. This week, our teams counted 1,438 Grey Crowned Cranes across Rwanda!

Ten years of consecutive monitoring have helped us understand where cranes are, the threats they face, and the progress made to protect them.

From fewer than 300 cranes a decade ago to 1,438 today, this is a powerful reminder that conservation works when science, communities, government, and partners come together.

But the journey is not over. Our wetlands still face growing pressure, and protecting safe habitats remains essential for the future of Grey Crowned Cranes.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this conservation journey.

Read the press release to learn more: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:29ba8326-b25c-45b2-9cb7-dab85c351785

12/08/2026

Today is the final day of RWCA’s 10th annual Grey Crowned Crane Census!

For a decade, our teams have been counting cranes across Rwanda’s wetlands and countryside to monitor their population recovery.

Last year, we counted 1,245 Grey Crowned Cranes nationwide.

What about this year? Can you guess how many cranes we counted in 2026?

The official results are coming soon…

10/08/2026

It's the time of year again when we conduct Rwanda's annual Grey Crowned Crane census.

Early this morning, our teams headed across the country to gather crucial information about the crane population, but this year is particularly special.

What makes this year's census exciting is that it marks ten years of continuous tracking. We can’t wait to share what this year’s census uncovers about the remarkable recovery of Rwanda’s Grey Crowned Cranes.

Stay tuned

05/08/2026

Bats play an important role in our ecosystems, from controlling insects to dispersing seeds. However, fear and misinformation can put these incredible species at risk.

Recently, RWCA organised a workshop that brought together over 200 local leaders and community health workers to share practical ways that we can safely coexist with bats. We facilitated open discussions about these important animals, answering questions and addressing concerns.

By building knowledge and trust at the community level, we are helping people better understand bats and strengthen their protection.

Protecting bats begins with understanding them. Together, we can create communities where both people and wildlife can thrive.

04/08/2026

We have successfully completed the 4th annual Umusambi Football Tournament, uniting people around Rugezi Marsh through the power of sport and a shared commitment to conservation.

Over the past few weeks, the tournament has been more than just a competition; it has served as an invaluable platform for RWCA to raise awareness about the importance of protecting wetlands.

Rugezi Marsh is one of Rwanda’s most valuable wetlands. Home to more than 740 species, including over 350 Grey Crowned Cranes, it is an extraordinary habitat for wildlife. However, it continues to face threats from habitat degradation and human activities, highlighting the need for community action more than ever.

With 16 local football teams battling it out for the title, the football matches helped our conservation messages reach over 24,000 people. This shows that football does more than entertain; it can also inspire communities to protect wildlife and wild places.

01/08/2026

31/07/2026

Happy !

Today, we celebrate the courage, dedication, and resilience of every ranger working to protect our planet.

At RWCA, we take pride in our 75 Community Rangers, including 25 incredible women, who tirelessly safeguard Rugezi Marsh, monitor Grey Crowned Cranes, protect biodiversity, and educate local communities on the importance of preserving this vital ecosystem.

To every ranger: thank you for your service.

The best way to honour them today is by standing beside them. Consider making a donation to help equip, support, and empower RWCA’s Community Rangers who protect Rwanda's wildlife every day.

wildlife.rangerchallenge.org/campaigns/rwanda-wildlife-conservation-association-2026