Prince William and The Royal Foundation's United for Wildlife programme has today released the second episode of the groundbreaking global docuseries entitled 'Guardians'. The brand-new episode takes viewers into the dangerous world of rangers in the Spiti Valley, high in the Himalayas, who are working to build a sustainable co-existence between snow leopards and local communities.
The series, which launched last week, seeks to redefine our understanding of rangers and the protectors of nature, driving recognition and pride in the vital yet unseen work they do to protect our planet. Guardians was the brainchild of Prince William, and he has voiced the trailer and individual episode introductions.
Each episode of the gripping docuseries aims to showcase these unsung heroes and highlight how their work impacts us all. The Guardians of the Spiti Valley episode follows ranger Kalzang Gurmet and his team, and blends immersive field footage with powerful interviews to showcase the challenges these rangers face each day while working at the forefront of conservation.
Through the rangers' eyes, viewers see first-hand both the beauty of the Himalayan landscape, which inspires their commitment, as well as the danger that protecting such an extreme location presents with its high altitude, cold temperatures and extreme weather events.
Prince William to honour rangers risking their lives in latest episode of groundbreaking show
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The reality of life as a guardian in these unforgiving conditions is made most clear as viewers learn the story of Phunchock Tashi, a ranger who tragically lost his life earlier this year in the line of duty.
His loss is a stark reminder of the dangers these guardians face on a daily basis.
Prince William said: "I've had the privilege of meeting a number of rangers throughout my life and have seen firsthand the vital work they do. Yet their stories are often overlooked or misunderstood.
"The reality is that protecting our natural world has become one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet. We need to understand and recognise Nature's Guardians, and the critical work they do."
An image from episode two of Guardians.
The Royal Foundation / Zandland
He added: "The rangers we meet in this series are an inspiration to us all. Every day, they take huge risks as nature's frontline of defence, standing between poachers and endangered species, supporting sustainable human-animal coexistence and fighting habitat loss.
"As they work to protect our oceans, our forests, our plains, our mountains and biodiversity, they are also educating, community building and furthering science. These are the unsung heroes, the true Guardians of the natural world, defending nature and the future of the planet for all of us."
For generations, communities in this part of the world have happily lived side by side with the native animals that call it home.
However, recently, an increasing number of the elusive snow leopards known as the 'Ghosts of the Himalayas' have ventured into human settlements, hunting livestock due to a scarcity of prey in the wild.
Prince William is supporting rangers risking their lives to save snow leopards.
PA
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Kensington PalacePrince William voices an introduction for episode two, explaining: "Snow leopards are such beautiful creatures, known as the 'Ghosts of the Himalayas', and just having sight of one is so rare that it feels incredibly special.
"These elusive big cats may be rarely seen, but they share a deep connection with local people, and as the snow leopards' natural food sources have become scarce, they have ventured closer to human settlements in search of prey, killing livestock and leading to conflicts with local communities."
He concluded: "In this episode, we meet Kalzang, a ranger bridging the space between tradition and progress.
"His work protects these animals, powers scientific discovery, and helps turn fear into understanding while guiding a new generation towards sustainable coexistence."
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