Endangered animals are very rarely seen in person, and just as much, are rarely captured in photography. It only makes sense; there are so few of the animals in these endangered species that photographers are lucky to even catch a glimpse.
But for all of the mayhem and uncertainty that may arise throughout life, it is extremely grounding to witness nature in its rarest form. Just as writing is therapeutic for artists, photography is beneficial for everyone.
Please keep in mind that the “traps” used by endangered animal photographers do not harm animals or alter their ecosystem whatsoever.
Alas, here are 10 endangered animals that photographs have captured to remind us that we still have a chance to preserve these beautiful species.
Golden-Haired Monkeys
The golden snub-nosed monkey is endangered due to habitat loss, tourism, and illegal hunting.
Thankfully, photographers were still able to capture these beautiful animals to show us what we will miss if they do go extinct.
Black Jaguars
Boy, this one took me back to The Jungle Book. Due to their swiftness – black jaguars are incredibly rare. So much so, that it is difficult to tell just how many remain on this planet.
It is even more difficult to snag a flic of them – shoutout to this endangered species photographer for the coldest thermal vision view.
Tigers
For the first time in history, this striped beauty was captured on night-vision in Nepal. Tigers continue to impress due to their adaptability in the wild.
As long as they can find food and shelter, altitude be damned. Not even 4,000 remain in the wild due to poaching.
Amur Leopards
Rawness and also rareness personified. Unfortunately still, only about 100 Amur leopards remain in wildlife.
If the photograph of this severely-endangered animal wasn’t impressive enough, note that Amur leopards are traditionally nocturnal.
Bald Eagles
The bald eagle was declared endangered in 1978.
Clearly a symbol of the U.S., it is still imperative to do everything within our power to ensure its’ survival. Less than 10,000 Bald Eagles remain.
Lemurs
The funkiest mammal known to man is the lemur. The lemur evolved independently from monkeys and is also traditionally nocturnal.
You will only find lemurs in Madagascar, and we can maintain their survival by planting more trees.
European Hamsters
The European hamster is a wondrous little creature. But unfortunately, these hamsters are critically endangered. This is due to lowered reproduction rates.
This makes it even more impressive that this photographer was able to snap a picture of this endangered animal.
Other factors are also noted in the European hamsters steady decline in the wild. These include plantation developments, global warming, and pollution.
North Atlantic Right Whales
Accidental exposures to waste entanglement and climate change are the two primary reasons that North Atlantic Right Whales are endangered.
Do not litter and watch your emissions. There are less than 250 of these elegant endangered animals left and photography just happened to capture two of them!
Polar Bears
Polar bears have had a tough go of it since the beginning of time. Our careless consumption habits and destruction of the ozone layer can be attributed mightily to their hardships.
Also, these animals are meant to roam amidst icy tundras, not be caged up for our entertainment. Still, we don’t blame photographers for highlighting endangered species when they are able.
If anything, it reminds us how much more we have to do in terms of preservation.
Angel Sharks
Look at the way this angel shark gets low and glides across the ocean floor. Truly majestic.
The endangerment of this species is a byproduct of net entanglement and low fertility rates.
Thus, as an endangered species, we can only be grateful for the lens photography gives us to see it, and hope that there are preservation attempts in effect to save it.
Photography of endangered species gives us a reminder that we have time to make things right
Do not fall victim to possible societal “entanglement.” Rather, wrap yourself up in nature and observe the magnificence that our worldly habitats and intricate creatures have to offer.
Remember the photography of these endangered animals and use it as inspiration to help preservation efforts.
So please bask in the glory of these wondrous animals via endangered animal photographers before they are no longer with us.
And remember that photography of endangered species is a gift. Find out how you can help out with animal preservation efforts here.