Wildlife impact

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dangerous traps removed from big cat habitats
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species documented by Joel Sartore for Photo Ark
OUR WORK

We are protecting wildlife.

Our Wildlife work covers projects informed by science that inspire and empower local and global audiences to better understand and protect wildlife, including animals, plants, and fungi. Projects may examine single species or groups of species, and species-habitat relationships in the wild.

Our Explorers are working around the world to save threatened wildlife, safeguard ecosystems, and educate and encourage people to co-exist more peacefully with local animal populations.

featured program

Photo Ark

National Geographic Explorer, Photo Ark founder, and photographer Joel Sartore is using the power of photography to save wildlife before it’s too late. He has taken portraits of 12,000 species — and counting — in his quest to document our world’s astonishing diversity! He’s over halfway to his goal of documenting the approximately 20,000 species living in the world’s zoos and wildlife sanctuaries.

In the field

Our Wildlife Explorers

Through their important work, they document, inspire, educate, and engage to preserve critical species around the globe.

Our Wildlife Explorers courageously work to end wildlife trafficking and protect at-risk species at the edge of extinction. On the frontlines of conservation, they help safeguard fragile ecosystems for future generations to come.

Read more stories of impact from some of our Wildife Explorers on nationalgeographic.com

Paula Kahumbu: Defending rights for elephants, globally

Jane Goodall: Championing animal conservation for six decades

Rae Wynn-Grant: Finding harmony for humans and bears

Krithi Karanth: Finding the balance between human communities and nature

Rodrigo Medellín: Becoming the 'Bat Man' of Mexico

An Explorer's perspective on

Making a difference

“Our work is not only about restoring wildlife, it’s about restoring people’s lives. Through science, conservation, and community engagement, we can create a virtuous cycle that allows people and animals to thrive.”
Dominique Gonçalves
National Geographic Explorer & Conservationist
Join US

Help us protect at risk species

Inspire the next generation to save our wildlife

Explore wildlife in our Resource Library. We've made available for educators and learners lessons, articles, maps, videos, and so much more, to inspire our mission to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world.

Support our work

We have a duty to protect our Earth's precious wildlife. By helping people understand wildlife, we believe they will form deeper emotional connections to our planet's species. Will you help protect the wonder of our world?

Photo Credits from top of page: Beverly Joubert, Joel Sartore/National Geographic Photo Ark, Charlie Hamilton James, Michael Nichols, Ronan Donovan. Below: Michael Nichols, Andy Mann, Paul Nicklen, Ami Vitale, Christian Tryon, Kenneth Garrett, Mark Thiessen.

Get updates about our critical work to explore and protect our planet.

GIVE TODAY!
The National Geographic Society is proud to invest in a global community of intrepid Explorers working to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Make a tax-deductible gift to support the Society today, and your support will help fund the next generation of changemakers.