The Lens on Animals at Risk: Meet the "New Big Five"
In a world where one million animal species are facing extinction, a new initiative is shining a spotlight on some of the most iconic and endangered creatures. British photographer Graeme Green has reimagined the term "Big Five" to highlight animals that are not only majestic but also critically threatened.
The project, which began with 50,000 votes from around the world, revealed five species that captured the hearts and imaginations of people globally: elephant, polar bear, lion, gorilla, and tiger. These animals, all considered endangered or vulnerable by conservation organizations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), are now ambassadors for the state of nature.
Through stunning photographs and poignant essays from renowned wildlife photographers and conservationists like Jane Goodall, the "New Big Five" book offers a powerful reminder of the urgency to protect our planet's precious biodiversity. The book also highlights potential solutions, including rewilding and the importance of indigenous communities in conservation.
However, climate change is posing an existential threat to countless animal species beyond those featured in the book. As Green aptly puts it, "That's only the tip of the iceberg – I could have included thousands of pictures because that's how serious the situation is."
The publication of "The New Big Five" photography book marks a critical moment for conservation efforts. With over 144 photographers contributing to the project, the book is a testament to the power of visual storytelling in inspiring action and change.
In an interview, Green stated, "I think these are some of the most beautiful and creative images that I've seen put together in one book... These are the species that we are at risk of losing."
As the clock ticks away on our planet's biodiversity, it is imperative that we take heed of the warning signs. As Jane Goodall so eloquently puts it, "we have a window of time during which we can start to heal some of the harm we have inflicted on the natural world, but only if we get together and take action now."
"The New Big Five: A Global Photography Project For Endangered Wildlife" is now available for purchase.
In a world where one million animal species are facing extinction, a new initiative is shining a spotlight on some of the most iconic and endangered creatures. British photographer Graeme Green has reimagined the term "Big Five" to highlight animals that are not only majestic but also critically threatened.
The project, which began with 50,000 votes from around the world, revealed five species that captured the hearts and imaginations of people globally: elephant, polar bear, lion, gorilla, and tiger. These animals, all considered endangered or vulnerable by conservation organizations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), are now ambassadors for the state of nature.
Through stunning photographs and poignant essays from renowned wildlife photographers and conservationists like Jane Goodall, the "New Big Five" book offers a powerful reminder of the urgency to protect our planet's precious biodiversity. The book also highlights potential solutions, including rewilding and the importance of indigenous communities in conservation.
However, climate change is posing an existential threat to countless animal species beyond those featured in the book. As Green aptly puts it, "That's only the tip of the iceberg – I could have included thousands of pictures because that's how serious the situation is."
The publication of "The New Big Five" photography book marks a critical moment for conservation efforts. With over 144 photographers contributing to the project, the book is a testament to the power of visual storytelling in inspiring action and change.
In an interview, Green stated, "I think these are some of the most beautiful and creative images that I've seen put together in one book... These are the species that we are at risk of losing."
As the clock ticks away on our planet's biodiversity, it is imperative that we take heed of the warning signs. As Jane Goodall so eloquently puts it, "we have a window of time during which we can start to heal some of the harm we have inflicted on the natural world, but only if we get together and take action now."
"The New Big Five: A Global Photography Project For Endangered Wildlife" is now available for purchase.