African elephants are critically endangered 0:57
(CNN) -
In the 19th century, when bloody sports were more socially acceptable, the term 'Big Five' was coined to refer to lions, rhinos, buffalo, elephants and leopards, the animals that trophy hunters in Africa considered. the most dangerous to hunt on foot.
But British photographer Graeme Green wants to give the phrase a new meaning, one that celebrates the lives of animals rather than their deaths.
To this end, it has created the "New Big 5" project, the aim of which is to use photography to raise awareness of threats to wildlife and inspire conservation.
Green says he wants to encourage people to shoot with a camera, not a gun.
"Photography is a much better way to celebrate animals," he told CNN.
When the project began in April 2020, it launched a year-long vote to determine the public's top five animals to photograph, or see photographed.
The results of the 50,000 votes online are now available.
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There is a certain resemblance between the "New Big 5" and the ancients: the elephant and the lion are still included.
But the gorilla, the tiger and the polar bear are new entries, overtaking the leopard, the rhinoceros and the African buffalo.
"I hope that the five animals that have been chosen for the New Big 5 can draw people's attention to what is happening to the world's wildlife," says Green. "They are the tip of the iceberg of the crisis facing the world's fauna ... but these five iconic animals can be global ambassadors and represent all the other species that are in danger of extinction."
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| The African elephant was one of the original "Big Five", a term used during colonial times in Africa to describe the most precious and dangerous animals to hunt. It has now been chosen as one of the "New Big 5", the world's favorite animals to be photographed, as part of an initiative to raise awareness of threats to wildlife. (Credit: David Lloyd / New Big 5)
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| Elephant populations have declined in recent years. The African elephant, the largest of all elephant species, has been hit the hardest, as poaching for ivory is one of the biggest threats. In 2016, there were an estimated 415,000 specimens left on the continent, a drop of 111,000 from 2006. (Credit: Gurcharan Roopra / New Big 5)
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| Lions are found in sub-Saharan Africa, but despite not having a natural predator, their populations have declined by more than 40% in the last three generations. They are threatened by loss of habitat and conflicts between man and fauna, as well as by the reduction of the number of their prey species as a result of hunting by man. With only about 20,000 specimens in the wild, they are classified as vulnerable. (Credit: Graeme Green / New Big 5)
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| "It would be a tragedy to lose lions across our continent. But I hope that if we come together and give lions the attention they deserve, we can confront these threats and ensure that lions continue to roam the spectacular landscapes of Africa. "Shivani Bhalla, founder of conservation group Ewaso Lions, said in a press release announcing the results of the" New Big 5 "voting. (Credit: Marsel van Oosten / New Big 5)
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Gorillas are also among the "New Big 5".
They are found in the tropical forests of central Africa and are especially vulnerable to habitat loss and deforestation.
The two species of gorillas, the eastern and the western, are considered critically endangered.
(Credit: Usha Harish / New Big 5)
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"Gorillas are majestic animals, but they are also vulnerable because of their small numbers. A good photograph can highlight their personality and inspire people to protect them," says Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, founder and CEO of the non-profit organization Conservation Through Public Health, in a press release from the New Big 5 initiative. (Credit: Sandesh Kadur / New Big 5)
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Polar bears are listed as vulnerable.
The sea-melting caused by climate change is their greatest threat, as they depend on the frozen surfaces of the Arctic to hunt, travel, reproduce and care for their young.
(Credit: Anette Mossbacher / New Big 5)
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Krista Wright, CEO of Polar Bears International, celebrated the inclusion of this species in the so-called New Big 5. "They are very intelligent and their photography and observation are endlessly fascinating. Polar bears are also a powerful symbol of the loss of sea ice. for global warming and a moving messenger of the urgent need for action, "he said in a press release.
(Credit: Ole Jorgen Liodden / New Big 5)
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Tigers are listed as endangered animals, and an estimated 3,000 adults remain in the wild.
The destruction of their habitat, conflicts between man and wildlife and the illegal trade in wild animals are some of their greatest threats.
(Credit: Shibu Nair Preman / New Big 5)
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"Tigers are a photographer's dream. The beauty of a tiger in every photo encourages conservation, so if you want to save the most charismatic species in the world, grab your camera and go find the tiger," said Valmik Thapar, Indian conservationist and author, in a New Big 5 press release. (Credit: Steve Winter / New Big 5)
Protection through photographs
According to the UN, one million of the eight million species on the planet are in danger of extinction because of man.
The reduction of habitat, the exploitation of natural resources, climate change and pollution are some of the main causes.
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Each of the New Big 5 species faces serious threats to its existence, and they are classified as Critically Endangered, Endangered, or Vulnerable.
Photography can help inform people of these threats, Green says.
You can introduce people to animals they haven't seen before, or expose the cruelty of animals and the damage to their habitats.
This can inspire people to support conservation projects or lobby legislators.
The project is supported by more than 100 photographers, as well as leading conservationists and nature advocacy organizations such as WWF, Greenpeace, Conservation International and the Born Free Foundation.
Jane Goodall, a conservationist and supporter of the New Big 5, stated in a press release that "any project that draws attention to animals, many of which are threatened or endangered, are truly important."
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"These five animals ... are such beautiful and remarkable species, and they are wonderful ambassadors for the world's wildlife, from iconic species to little-known frogs, lizards, fish and birds," he said.
Green says he will continue to publicize conservation issues, and aims to produce a New Big 5 photography book, with the work of international photographers involved in the project, whose proceeds will go to wildlife charities.
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