Graeme Green's ambitious project, "The New Big 5," is turning the spotlight on animals at risk as the world grapples with unprecedented wildlife loss. Originally a term used by trophy hunters in Africa to describe the most challenging animals to hunt, the concept has been flipped on its head by Green, who seeks to inspire a new generation of photographers and conservationists.
The brainchild of renowned British photographer Graeme Green, this global project aims to document species that are at risk due to human activities like habitat destruction, poaching, pollution, and climate change. In 2021, 50,000 people worldwide voted for their favorite animals to photograph in the wild, resulting in a diverse roster of five finalists: elephant, polar bear, lion, gorilla, and tiger.
The book, featuring stunning images by over 144 globally recognized wildlife photographers, serves as a powerful reminder of the alarming rate at which nature is declining. The "New Big 5" not only highlights these iconic species but also provides a platform for showcasing other endangered creatures that are often overlooked.
Green hopes that his project will lead people to discover the beauty and fragility of our planet's ecosystems, encouraging them to take action in conservation efforts. He notes that while the images presented in the book may seem serene on the surface, they serve as a call to address pressing environmental issues such as rewilding and indigenous community involvement.
Notable voices like Jane Goodall, who wrote the afterword for the book, emphasize the urgent need for collective action to heal the damage inflicted upon the natural world. With "The New Big 5," Green is not only raising awareness about species at risk but also nudging people toward potential solutions, such as protecting wildlife habitats and promoting eco-friendly practices.
As the project's founder remarks, this book is a testament to the power of photography in inspiring change and serving as a beacon for hope.
The brainchild of renowned British photographer Graeme Green, this global project aims to document species that are at risk due to human activities like habitat destruction, poaching, pollution, and climate change. In 2021, 50,000 people worldwide voted for their favorite animals to photograph in the wild, resulting in a diverse roster of five finalists: elephant, polar bear, lion, gorilla, and tiger.
The book, featuring stunning images by over 144 globally recognized wildlife photographers, serves as a powerful reminder of the alarming rate at which nature is declining. The "New Big 5" not only highlights these iconic species but also provides a platform for showcasing other endangered creatures that are often overlooked.
Green hopes that his project will lead people to discover the beauty and fragility of our planet's ecosystems, encouraging them to take action in conservation efforts. He notes that while the images presented in the book may seem serene on the surface, they serve as a call to address pressing environmental issues such as rewilding and indigenous community involvement.
Notable voices like Jane Goodall, who wrote the afterword for the book, emphasize the urgent need for collective action to heal the damage inflicted upon the natural world. With "The New Big 5," Green is not only raising awareness about species at risk but also nudging people toward potential solutions, such as protecting wildlife habitats and promoting eco-friendly practices.
As the project's founder remarks, this book is a testament to the power of photography in inspiring change and serving as a beacon for hope.