The MBZ Fund has supported conservationists from 175 countries in efforts to save more than 2,000 species. But in this story, the conservationist has four legs, a wagging tail and a nose for something very special.

Meet Delta, a specially trained scent-detection dog working with the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT). Far from being an ordinary dog, Delta has been putting his incredible nose to work, helping researchers track down species once thought to be extinct.

In this episode of Conservation Calls, the Repton School podcast crew meets EWT experts to discover how Delta is helping scientists save a rare succulent and uncover species that haven’t been seen for decades.

Delta and the rest of the EWT canine unit show just how powerful a dog’s nose can be in the fight for nature.

Every conservation journey starts with a single opportunity.

In this episode of Conservation Calls, we explore how the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund'spartnership with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) is helping develop the next generation of conservation leaders across developing countries.

Hear directly from a handful of Fonseca Field Grant recipients as they share their stories, from taking that first step in conservation to leading projects that are making a real difference for nature.

Together, they represent the journeys of the 146 conservationists supported through this partnership since it began, proving that investing in people is one of the most powerful ways to protect nature.

In this episode of Conservation Calls, we explore how different role players combine to drive impactful conservation.  How we all have a role to play in making the world a better place, no matter how small the action.  Through the UAE Local Leaders Grants, we support conservationists making a real impact here in the UAE, while the young creatives from our Youth Grant for Nature bring those storiesto life in their own creative and authentic way. However, this would not be possible without corporate donors.

Tune in as our Repton podcast crew unpacks how it all comes together and why even the smallest actions can lead to something much bigger.

At Conservation Calls, we’ve always look at some incredible species supported by the Fund, exploring why we focus on certain ones and the vital roles they play in our ecosystems.

But this time, with the help of the Repton Podcast crew, we’re shifting the spotlight to the inspiring individuals behind the scenes.

Meet Emina Karalic from Albania, a passionate young conservationist recognized and supported by The GEF. Today, we dive into her journey, what sparked her passion, led her to switch careers, and fueled her drive for change.

This month’s episode of Conservation Calls look at the data deficient Double-banded forest damselfly, a rare beauty native to Java Island.  With limited info on its population and distribution, research is essential to figure out its bioecology, mapping where it lives, observing its behaviour, and exploring its potential role as a natural pest controller.

Join the Repton Dubai podcast crew and Chanda Miyanda to learn more about the IUCN Red List and hear from the Endemic Indonesia Society team about their plans to save the Double-banded Forest Damselfly.

The MBZ Fund has been so inspired by the UAE’s amazing commitment to global conservation; it was no surprise when the UAE Embassy in Costa Rica stepped up with the same passion and dedication. Led by the incredible H.E. Rawdha Mohamed Jumaa Mohamed Alotaiba, they not only welcomed the MBZ Fund Advisory Board for a review meeting but also hosted a fantastic event for the 12 organizations already supported by the Fund.

They also helped kickstart their latest project and subject of the Conservation Calls podcast - the conservation effort to support the Toucan Rescue Ranch to save the stunning Yellow-naped Amazon parrot, an absolute gem of a bird and very vocal too.

The Clanwilliam sandfish in South Africa, also called Onderbek, may be small, but it has an epic story to tell.  Once swimming in abundance, this migratory freshwater fish is now facing some serious survival challenges.

In this episode of Conservation Calls, we explore their struggles, especially the impacts of human activities and climate change. You'll hear from amazing heroes like Jeremy, Otto, and the local communities who are stepping up to make a difference.

Fungi aren’t plants or animals but belong to their own amazing kingdom with unique cellular structures and reproduction styles. This makes them super cool and ultra unique.

In this special edition of Conservation Calls, we join the team from Fungi Foundation in Chile as they set out to rediscover the Big Puma Fungus, an incredibly fascinating, quirky, and one-of-a-kind species. Their expedition followed in the footsteps of mycologist Norberto Garrido, exactly 40 yearsafter he first stumbled upon this extraordinary fungus.

Meet the incredible Black-and-chestnut Eagle, a stunning bird of prey facing serious challenges like human-eagle conflicts, hunting, and habitat loss. This elusiveneo-tropical raptor is one of the least-studied species, hidden in dense montane forests. But there’s hope!

In this episode of Conservation Calls we venture to the beautiful Caquetá region of Colombia, where the Andes meet the Amazon. Join Mark Hall and Jorge Muñoz from the Caquetá Association for Ornithology as they unveil an ambitious plan to save this majestic bird.

We often hear about the amazing world of animals on our Conservation Calls podcast, but let’s not forget that plants have some pretty cool stories too… Take the critically endangered wildflower, Gasteranthus extinctus, for example, which is only found in the Centinela cloud forest and the Padre Julio Marrero Botanic Garden in Western Ecuador.

In this episode, project lead Dawson White from the Harvard University Herbaria and gesneriad expert John L. Clark from Marie Selby Botanical Gardens speak on behalf of their international team of scientists to share their incredible journey of rediscovery of Gasteranthus extinctus and other plants believed to be gone forever. 

This story is all about human compassion and resilience, bursting with personality.