Prince William launches groundbreaking new series on 'one of the world's most dangerous jobs'

As the brainchild of the Prince, who has voiced both the trailer and episode introductions, the series offers viewers exclusive access to the lives of these environmental defenders.

Each episode highlights the pivotal role these inspirational individuals play in safeguarding the planet's most threatened environments, from remote rainforests to snowy mountains.

The digital-first series will release a new episode each week, with each instalment running between six and ten minutes.

This format offers viewers exclusive access and first-hand accounts of rangers and nature protectors as they work urgently to conserve biodiversity and ecosystems.

The series was co-produced with award-winning studio ZANDLAND and takes viewers to some of the most breathtaking yet challenging locations on the planet.

Filmed in the very environments these guardians call home, the documentary provides intimate insights into their daily lives and the significant sacrifices they make to protect threatened environments.

Prince William, drawing on his decades of experience in nature conservation, expressed his deep appreciation for rangers: "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."

He emphasised the dangers these individuals face, noting that "protecting our natural world has become one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet."

"The rangers we meet in this series are an inspiration to us all," the Prince added. "These are the unsung heroes – the true Guardians of the natural world, defending nature and the future of the planet for all of us."

The series takes viewers on a global journey through six remarkable locations where nature's guardians operate.

In the Central African Republic's Dzangha-Sangha protected area, the documentary follows a reformed poacher now protecting wildlife.

High in India's Himalayan Spiti Valley, rangers work to foster coexistence between snow leopards and local communities.

The Sea of Cortez in Mexico, once called 'the world's aquarium', features a former illegal fisherman now dedicated to conservation.

Other episodes showcase South Africa's Kruger National Park, Sri Lanka's wildlife rehabilitation efforts, and the Caru Indigenous Land in Brazil where communities fight to preserve their heritage and protect ancestral lands from environmental destruction.

In the Central African Republic episode, viewers will witness the journey of a reformed poacher who now dedicates his life to protecting the wildlife he once hunted.

The India segment showcases rangers working to bring coexistence between the elusive snow leopards, known as 'Ghosts of the Himalayas', and local communities.

In Mexico, a reformed illegal fisherman works to protect the threatened Sea of Cortez ecosystem.

South Africa's episode follows teams working round the clock to protect, rescue and rehabilitate critically endangered rhinos facing daily poaching threats.

Sri Lankan veterinary experts rehabilitate elephants and leopards while mitigating human-wildlife conflicts, while the Brazil episode highlights a community-led fight to preserve indigenous heritage and protect ancestral lands from environmental destruction.

The 'Guardians' series will be distributed by BBC Studios Digital Brands via the BBC Earth YouTube and social channels, reaching a global audience of over 13 million subscribers.

Through United for Wildlife, Prince William has spent considerable time understanding and championing rangers' work, having witnessed firsthand the critical role they play and the dangers they face daily.

Many rangers have tragically lost their lives whilst defending nature, making this series an important recognition of their sacrifice and dedication.