Why does one volunteer in a conservation agency?

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to determine the profile and motives of SANParks Honorary Rangers. The key question behind this research is: why do people spend time and their own money to work in national parks? The total database of 1300 Honorary Rangers was used of which 16% completed the questionnaire. The results indicate that these volunteers differ from other types of volunteers in that most of them volunteer solely as Honorary Rangers and that they started at a mature age. Their primary motive for being a SANParks Honorary Ranger is to advance conservation, the second most important motive is that it forms part of their lifestyle, and lastly, for social and group affiliation purposes.