This New Photo Book Helps to Combat Wildlife Crime

Oct 26, 2017

Will Nicholls

Photographers Against Wildlife Crime™ is a new book being launched on Kickstarter that is taking aim at the world of wildlife crime. With 20 of the most high-profile nature and conservation photographers involved, the book is coming at a crucial time for our natural world.

The wildlife crime industry is worth $20 billion, making it the fourth most lucrative crime in the world behind drugs, human trafficking, and arms dealing.

A large bull elephant in Chitwan National Park sits with its leg chained. The 50 year old beast is restrained as it has killed five mahouts (handlers) in its lifetime. © Patrick Brown / Panos Pictures

A thresher shark caught in a gillnet in Mexico’s Sea of Cortez. Tens of millions of sharks die each year as victims of fishing by-catch or to satisfy the demand for shark fin soup. © Brian Skerry

With such a monumental problem to combat, Photographers Against Wildlife Crime™ will publish “hard-hitting and inspiring” images to help stir public opinion and make a real difference. Crucially, the book will also be published in Mandarin for distribution in China.

A volunteer with the NGO, Care for Wild Africa, comforts a baby rhino after undergoing treatment for injuries caused by hyenas. The rhino was orphaned after its mother was killed by poachers. She was luckier than most as many calves who see their mothers killed are also attacked by the poachers, using machetes to break their spines so they cannot run away. © Brent Stirton

A gorilla in the hands of her carer as they drive to a new and larger sanctuary run for the care of orphaned or captive apes rescued by Ape Action Africa in Cameroon. © Jo-Anne McArthur

“What I’m seeing is absolute decimation of environmental spaces and species like never before,” said Brent Stirton, Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2017. “Most of the world doesn’t really understand what’s going on with its own planet.”

All proceeds from the book will be donated to wildlife charities whose mission is to tackle wildlife crime and bring an end to exploitation “in our lifetime.”

The mahout who has raised the orphan from SA has a trusted bond . The Elephants are raised to maturity and released as part of a long term study of rehabilitated animals . Abu Camp , Okavango , Botswana. © Chris Packham

“Some of us risk our lives to document incomprehensible cruelty and ruthlessness. The public wants to see an end to the demand for wildlife products to save species from extinction. By supporting Photographers Against Wildlife Crime™, you can help us to make a difference and end the trade,” said the project’s founder, Britta Jaschinski.

Photographers Against Wildlife Crime™ is currently looking to raise $26,500 on Kickstarter to make it to publication. You can support the project and secure your own copy of the book for a reduced price of $40 through the campaign. If everything goes well, the book is set to be published in May 2018.