My name is Bazieraho Bavuriki. I am a Ranger attached to the Rumangabo station. I was born in Rumangabo on July 4, 1960. I am married to Ndamukunze Pascazia. We have eight children: five daughters and three boys. I started out in conservation in 1983. Today I am a Chief Brigadier. The secret of my success lies in the discipline with which I approach my work. Many of our comrades have problems because they don’t apply themselves to our trade. Self-discipline made it possible for me to overcome a great many difficulties.

One day we were on a routine patrol. We were in the central sector the park near Kabaraza and orders came through from the station. We were to find and follow a herd of elephants that had been sighted earlier. We had hardly walked two kilometers into the park when we met some poachers - also in the search of the elephants! We were the first group to react and I shouted for my comrades to take cover.

In the exchange of fire I was hit in the leg. I’ve known many such moments during my time in this job. Only self-discipline will get you though things like that.