Ranger

A ranger is a person who operates in a defined landscape, often with duties related to protection, conservation, and public access. The term comes from range, referring to a geographic extent, and appears in several countries as an occupational title for professionals who monitor land, resources, or visitors.

In public lands administration, park rangers and forest rangers protect natural resources, interpret the landscape for visitors, enforce rules, and conduct search and rescue operations. They may be employed by national or regional agencies and coordinate with other emergency services.

In the military, "Ranger" denotes elite units or qualified soldiers; the U.S. Army Rangers are known for long-range reconnaissance, assault, and rapid deployment, with Ranger School providing rigorous training. Similar formations exist in other countries.

In popular culture, a ranger is a common character class in fantasy and role-playing games, often skilled in tracking, survival, and archery. The term also appears in titles for police or park service officers in some jurisdictions.