Endangered Species

This image shows perfectly how humans have encroached on to wild habitats over many generations. This is the exact reason why the Ranthambore tigers are on the edge of being wiped out. The shrinking of their ranges and the closing of corridors has caused segregation and inbreeding. Not only this, but it makes a smaller search area for those who would poach. A striking photo with a great visual story aspect.

The Arabian oryx actually went passed the point of being on the endangered list and was declared extinct from wild. Through massive efforts it's a true success story of reintroduction and to see them roaming wild brings hope for similar programs. A striking image with a beautiful sense of movement. To me it shows how close they came to being ghosts.

The effort that is put in to affording the protection of the Gorillas in this region is paid for quite often in blood. The ICCN rangers are often targeted by poachers and militia forces and each loss is felt nationally. Without those sacrifices it would be impossible to capture this photograph. Often juveniles are orphaned after poaching and you can almost see that in this individuals eyes. A poignant frame.

Vulture numbers are crashing globally. With poison being the latest weapon of choice there are many species that may well be labelled under the critical category in future number evaluations. This is a wonderful photo of a striking subspecies that we are lucky enough to see have a wide roaming range. To some this is seen as a threat to livestock and efforts to destroy them have only escalated in recent years. A great moment with beautiful colours.

We have seen a lot of large charismatic mega fauna entered in to this competition but this shot had to be mentioned. Its a beautiful portrait of Britain's very own Highland tiger. Thanks to various trusts this animal has been saved from extinction but hybridisation with domestics occurs in the wild. This is arguably their biggest threat. A lush depth of field showing some great character of the individual.

When it comes to endangered species photography visual storytelling is paramount. Although the animal is not on the list it's numbers are in steep decline. Images such of this can help us understand what changes are necessary to turn the problem, around. Culture often turns in to industrialisation and herein the problems lie. An interesting moment well captured with a good backstory.

Imagine being able to survive in one of the harshest environments on earth and you're still hunted for your fur. This image tells a great story and shows the challenges faced by the critically endangered Arctic fox in its natural habitat.

Another image that inspires a little hope. Although classed as a marine animal, the polar bear needs icepack, something which itself is now rare and endangered. With less ice these animals are rearing fewer cubs in there litter due to the fact that no ice means no hunting. Often turning to scavenging on dry land, these bears have had to adapt fast. I find the look on the juveniles face is of great contrast to the mother. It will be learning of the struggles ahead very soon.

It doesn't really come any more endangered than this. We have all seen Ami Vitale's story on the last male White who passed away recently. Only a tiny spark of hope remains for this particular genus in the form of IVF with the last two existing females. A beautiful photograph, which at the same time is one of the saddest things to witness. Full of dignity as she still has her horn, nicely balanced light.

There are a lot of reintroduction programs for the Lynx but progress is is slow. Hopefully it won't be uncommon to see sights like this in the wild around Europe and Britain in the not too distant future. Public education must also be amplified in order to address concerns from the general public. A beautiful photograph of a wonderful moment with fascinating apex predator. Delicious.

Already declared extinct in various regions, the Okapi is harder and harder to find each season. Despite being protected under Congolese law I've yet to find any in the areas I'm operating in. This is a beautiful portrait and has a sad timeless quality about it that reminds me of old images of the now extinct Thylacine. Let's hope the Okapi story turns out more positively.

Now this is an animal I would love to see in the wild. Stories of Dhole actively hunting tigers is stuff off urban legend, they have the most incredible tenacity. Unfortunately it's another story of habitat loss and persecution due to them taking livestock that has this animal sitting in the red category of the endangered species list. I love the winter coat textures and contrasting colours of this photograph.

What's not to love about this face. A beautiful little copper bullet that shoots between the greens of the Brazilian rainforest. Again habitat loss is the main cause of danger facing these animals at the moment. Arguably the most beautiful of the four Lion species it would be tragic to see it vanish for good. A lovely up close and personal portrait.

Incredible to think that across the United States, if you have enough money, you can purchase. ticket similar to an amusement park to shoot these animals. Often in hermitage sights such as Yellowstone. I love the nervous energy of this photograph. The way they've interlocked there arcs of defence shows the proficiency of their survival skills.

A beautiful Image that I've seen before in the past. There is a lot to be said about the Addax and as far as I am aware the last few wild numbers are found in Niger. The contrast in light here is lovely and you can almost feel the relief that the shade brings.