Photographers rewrite list of 'Big 5' animals.

The ‘Big 5’ is an old term used by trophy hunters in Africa for the five most prized and dangerous animals to shoot and kill: elephant, rhino, leopard, Cape buffalo and lion. However, a new photography project has turned the meaning of shooting on its head - creating a new list of the five most sought after creatures to capture on camera.

More than 50,000 people from around the world voted for animals they most liked seeing pictures of as part of the New Big 5 wildlife photography list. The crowning creatures are elephant, lion, polar bear, gorilla and tiger, all of which are keystone species listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as either critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable.

Created by British photographer Graeme Green, the project’s aim is to raise awareness about the crisis facing the word’s wildlife from threats including habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, poaching, illegal wildlife trade and climate change.

It is also about celebrating the lives of these animals, and our connection with the natural world. TV presenter Chris Packham said: “It’s the perfect way to instigate a transition between something which is no longer ethically, morally, or scientifically acceptable, and transforming people’s passion from something which is dead to something which is alive. If hunters were all shooting with cameras, that would be significant progress.”

While the big charismatic species are great ambassadors, we need to increase awareness about all creatures, said photographer Ami Vitale, another contributor to the project. “This planet is our only shared little life raft and we are on it together. We must all do everything we can to care for the plants and critters that inhabit the Earth. They are fellow travellers and our only friends in this enormous universe. Our future happiness depends on all of them,” she said

Courtesy of HKALPO