Pictures of the Year International

In a remarkable effort to protect one of the world's most endangered species, Rangers Mark Lowakutuk and Samuel Lesaibila have taken to the treetops at Loisaba Conservancy in Laikipia, Kenya. From their elevated vantage points, these rangers monitor black rhinos amidst the dense Kenyan bush. Their expertise in locating the elusive animals is honed by an acute understanding of environmental cues, such as wind direction, which they use to evade detection and find safe observation points. This innovative approach is not just about staying unseen; it plays a crucial role in conservation. Black rhinos are critically endangered, with poaching and habitat loss threatening their survival. The rangers' efforts contribute significantly to the protection and monitoring of these creatures and are proof that sometimes, effective conservation is all about getting a bird's-eye view.