This Amazing Archive of Animal Photography Reveals 18,000 Species and Counting. Here's How Joel Sartore Built His 'Photo Ark'

Joel Sartore, a National Geographic photographer, initiated the Photo Ark project in 2006, aiming to document the variety and charisma of the planet's animal species. After his wife's cancer diagnosis, Sartore was inspired to create a testament to the existence of animals in the face of biodiversity loss. Over two decades, Sartore has photographed 18,000 species, including fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals, insects, and even creatures without eyes, such as corals, anemones, and sponges.

His goal is to showcase the beauty and vulnerability of these animals, emphasizing their right to exist and to encourage people to care about their protection. Sartore's portraits, usually set against black and white backdrops, highlight individual animals without size comparisons, allowing each creature to shine. The project has been instrumental in drawing attention to lesser-known species, such as the Miami tiger beetle, Bartram's scrub-hairstreak butterfly, and the longnose harlequin frog, which have received support for ecological restoration efforts.

Sartore and his team have also aided in the conservation of various amphibian species, many of which are threatened by habitat loss, climate change, and disease.