A leopard. A giant pangolin. A group of forest elephants. They can be almost impossible to spot in the wild. But in February, WCS and wildlife photographer Will Burrard-Lucas released a series of high definition camera trap photos of these species and more from the Republic of Congo’s Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park. The hope is that sharing these remarkable pictures of rarely seen animals in their natural environment will inspire people to protect them. See some of the photos: https://www.wcs.org/get-involved/updates/unseen-rainforest Reporting: Dan Rosen Guest: Will Burrard-Lucas

For four decades, the Conservation Leadership Programme, or CLP, has been providing critical early career funding awards to emerging conservationists. Born out of a partnership between Birdlife International, Fauna & Flora, and the Wildlife Conservation Society, the CLP has opened the door countless scientists working across the globe in countries rich in biodiversity but often lacking resources for their protection. As the program turns 40, we checked in with a few alumni to hear how the program has helped them to advance in their journey to become conservation leaders.   Reporting: Nat Moss Guests: Camila Kass, Jorge Parra, Deepshikha Sharma

As Earth Day turns 25 this year, it seemed like a good moment to reflect on WCS’s mission to protect wildlife and wild places. Why does the protection of biodiversity carry with it so many other benefits for people and the planet? What are the approaches that work and what are the challenges? And what can the average person do to make it a priority in their lives? WCS Wild Audio knew just the right person to ask.   Reporting: Nat Moss Guest: Dr. Elizabeth Bennett

In Part 3 of our series featuring the inaugural REEL WILD New York Film Festival, which launches in New York City this week, we talk to the hosts of the popular television series Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom “Protecting the Wild.” They’ll be on hand for the screening of several of the show’s episodes in an exciting and inviting family-friendly program on Saturday, April 5.    Reporting: Nat Moss Guests: Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, Peter Gros To learn more about the festival and purchase tickets, go to https://www.wcs.org/reelwild

In the second episode of our three-part series on WCS's REEL WILD New York Film Festival, we go behind the scenes to uncover the inspiration behind this inaugural event celebrating remarkable filmmakers and extraordinary wildlife stories from around the globe.    From Namibia’s resilient desert lions to a massive annual walrus gathering in the Russian Arctic, this year’s lineup aims not only to captivate audiences but also to spark meaningful conservation action. Hannah Kaplan has this report.   Get your tickets for The REEL WILD™ NEW YORK Film Festival: reelwild.org   Reporting: Hannah Kaplan Guests: Natalie Cash, John Calvelli

This spring, the inaugural WCS-curated REEL WILD New York Film Festival comes to Manhattan. Taking place April 4-5, this two-day event showcases award-winning natural history films and offers a unique chance to hear directly from the filmmakers and experts behind the stories. In the first of a 3-part series on the festival, we look at one of those films, the 2022 Oscar-nominated documentary “Haulout,” which explores the impact of climate change on walrus habitat in the Arctic.   Reporting: Nat Moss Guests: Evgenia Arbugaeva, Martin Robards, Jonathan Slaght, Natalie Cash   Learn more about the festival and purchase tickets at: https://www.wcs.org/reelwild. [Parts of this episode originally aired in March 2023.]

The Bronx Zoo’s Herpetology Team cares for a number of venomous snakes at the zoo’s World of Reptiles. As professionals, they know what they’re doing. Just in case, though, the zoo team keeps antivenom on site and a thorough plan in place to address any potential emergencies. Fortunately, it hasn’t been needed any time in recent memory. Instead, that antivenom, and the team, are helping to save lives outside the zoo through an impactful partnership with nearby NYC Health and Hospitals–Jacobi. Reporting: Dan Rosen Guests: Kevin Torregrosa, Dr. Joshua Z. Silverberg

The khulan - a species of wild equid - is a true nomad, covering distances unmatched by any other land mammal. Yet, their survival in Mongolia’s harsh Gobi desert is a constant battle. Populations already strained by overhunting and harsh winters – exacerbated by climate change – are now facing a growing threat from rapid road and railway construction, which fragments the landscape and cuts them off from essential resources. Now, WCS is developing innovative solutions that benefit both this vital species and the local communities that share its habitat. WCS wishes to thank Cartier for Nature for their invaluable support of WCS Mongolia’s efforts with local communities.  To learn more about Cartier for Nature visit cartierfornature.org.We also extend our deepest gratitude to Fondation Segré for their commitment to khulan conservation in Mongolia.  To learn more about Fondation Segré, visit fondationsegre.org.Reporting: Hannah KaplanGuests: Buuveibaatar Bayarbaatar, Bayarmaa Chuluunbat, Batbayar Galtbalt

Highly pathogenic avian influenza is having an unprecedented and devastating impact on wildlife. We have the latest on its path and where it may be headed, including whether or not it could pose an even bigger threat to humans.Reporting: Dan RosenGuest: Dr. Christian Walzer

Rangers are the frontline guardians of conservation efforts, regularly putting their physical and mental health at risk to protect our planet. But they can't do it alone—they need more support and resources to stay safe and effective in their vital work.  That’s where URSA, the Universal Ranger Support Alliance—which supports the International Ranger Federation and counts WCS among its members—steps in to ensure they get the backing they deserve. Visit wcs.org and ursa4rangers.org to learn more.Reporting: Hannah KaplanGuests: Alexa Montefiore, Rohit Singh, Yahaira Urbina