Sri Lanka’s unsung wildlife protectors take centre stage in a new global docu series titled Guardians, launched by Prince William and The Royal Foundation’s United for Wildlife program. Released on May 23 via BBC Earth’s YouTube and social media platforms, the digital-first series aims to transform how the world perceives rangers and conservationists — including those risking their lives in Sri Lanka.
With a strong focus on biodiversity hotspots across six countries, Guardians features a dedicated episode from Sri Lanka that highlights the efforts of local veterinary experts and field rangers battling the human-elephant conflict, rescuing injured wildlife, and preserving delicate ecosystems.
The Sri Lanka segment gives rare access to the daily struggles of conservation teams working with elephants and leopards. From tranquilising injured animals in dense forests to educating rural communities about coexistence, the episode underscores the island’s unique conservation challenges — especially as climate change and rapid development continue to impact natural habitats.
Episode five follows the work of rangers in Sri Lanka
Prince William, who conceived the idea for the series and narrates each episode introduction said, “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. These are the unsung heroes — the true Guardians of the natural world, defending nature and the future of the planet for all of us.”
About 1,400 rangers had died as a result of their job over the past 10 years, William said, but so many cases were forgotten and unreported.
The Prince said the role of rangers was not just about carrying guns in the bush, which people often heard about. Those working in the Himalayas, for example, were at risk from the dangerous terrain. Globally, rangers’ work encompassed community initiatives, education, teaching and scientific research.
He said a further 1.5 million rangers were needed to meet global environmental biodiversity targets by 2030 – but this was a challenge. “Because why would anyone get involved when it’s not properly funded, they are not valued, no one cares?” the Prince said at a launch panel discussion chaired by the wildlife presenter Michaela Strachan.
The Sri Lankan episode is expected to resonate deeply with local and international audiences as it reflects growing concern over the rising number of human-elephant conflicts across the island. According to local conservationists, over 400 elephants and around 100 humans die each year in these clashes — a crisis that the featured rangers and vets working to address with compassion and scientific rigor.
Executive Director of Nature Conservation, Dr. Tom Clements said, “Without the critical work of these guardians, there is no guarantee of the future of thousands of animal and plant species — let alone food security, clean water, or a stable economy for the human population.”
Produced in collaboration with award-winning studio Zandland, the six-part series traverses some of the world’s most challenging conservation frontlines — from India’s snow-capped Himalayas to the Sea of Cortez in Mexico. The inclusion of Sri Lanka not only highlights the nation’s ecological importance but also places its conservation challenges on the world stage.
The series is available globally via BBC Earth’s YouTube channel, which has a subscriber base of over 13 million. New episodes are released weekly, offering gripping narratives, intimate interviews, and unprecedented access to the everyday lives of rangers and nature protectors.
