Footage from the Ol Donyo Lodge in Kenya.

The Sira curassow has evaded scientists for decades. The only known population of this elusive turkey-like bird is found in remote, high-elevation outcrops of the Peruvian Andes and it’s only been observed by a handful of people since it was discovered in 1969. Now, researchers are using camera traps to monitor previously unsurveyed areas so that they can better understand the bird’s distribution and population size, which is thought to be between 50 and 249 mature individuals. This data will be used to determine how best to preserve and protect these critically endangered birds.

Not only is this valuable for the research and conservation community, it’s also important because people are becoming more and more detached from nature, says John Hendry, head of operations and live content at WildEarth, a TV channel and app that streams live footage of wildlife from locations across South Africa. These live safari experiences are shot with a point-of-view style so that viewers feel like they’re actually sitting in the game drive vehicle with a wildlife expert providing commentary about what’s happening in front of them. Those watching at home can ask questions and interact with the host via chat or social media. Hendry has more than 20 years’ experience working as a safari guide and ranger across Southern Africa, and says providing live and unscripted safari experiences has evolved and improved as technology has advanced.