Most Desired Animals for Photography Captured by Popular Demand
The “Big Five” were once the most challenging animals for trophy hunters in Africa to shoot and kill. Today, the term is used to describe some of Africa’s largest and most iconic animals, including the lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, and buffalo. However, photographer Graeme Green has redefined the concept with his “New Big Five” for wildlife photography. This global initiative involved 50,000 people voting for the five animals they would most like to photograph or see photographed in the wild. The winners were the elephant, polar bear, lion, gorilla, and tiger.
To celebrate these incredible animals and raise awareness about the issues they face, “The New Big 5” photography book has been published. The book features stunning images of these animals and other at-risk wildlife, taken by renowned photographers such as Ami Vitale, Steve McCurry, and Paul Nicklen. It also includes essays from famous conservationists and activists like Jane Goodall and Paula Kahumbu.
Green’s goal with the book is to inspire people to take action on issues impacting wildlife, such as habitat loss, poaching, pollution, and climate change. He wants to encourage people to “shoot with a camera, not a gun” and truly appreciate and protect these magnificent creatures.
The book showcases the work of 144 globally renowned wildlife photographers, taking readers on a visual journey through different ecosystems around the world. Curating these images was no small task, taking nearly two years to complete. The result, according to Green, is a collection of some of the most beautiful and creative wildlife images ever put together in one book.
The “New Big 5” animals are not just symbols of the natural world’s decline; they also represent the urgent need for action. According to the UN, around one million animal and plant species are facing extinction. By highlighting these threatened species, the book aims to raise awareness and inspire solutions. Featured essays explore the benefits of rewilding and the pivotal role of indigenous communities in conservation.
In addition to the “New Big 5” animals, the book also covers endangered species ranging from bees to blue whales. This serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching impact of climate change on wildlife. Green emphasizes that the situation is even more dire than what is covered in the book, acknowledging that countless species are under threat.
Renowned conservationist Jane Goodall, who wrote the afterword for the book, emphasizes the window of opportunity we have to heal the harm we have caused to the natural world. She hopes that the photos will transport people into the captivating world of these iconic species and inspire them to take action. Goodall envisions a future where wildlife can flourish for generations to come.
“The New Big 5: A Global Photography Project For Endangered Wildlife,” by Graeme Green, published by Earth Aware Editions, serves as a powerful call to action. It is available for sale from April 4, 2023.