The New Big 5 results are in

The New Big 5 website has received over 50,000 votes from wildlife lovers around the world and more than 250 of the world’s wildlife photographers, conservationists, and wildlife charities have come together to support this international initiative.

Diversity on race and gender was a key part of the project, with more than 120 renowned, global, male, and female supporting photographers from all around the world.

The animals that have been chosen by the public are elephants, polar bears, tigers, gorillas, and lions and each of the 5 species in the New Big 5 face severe threats to their existence and are listed by the IUCN either as Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable.

‘We’re currently experiencing the worst spate of species die-offs since the loss of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago. But unlike those past mass extinctions, the current crisis is almost entirely caused by us: humans.’ says photographer Marsel van Oosten. 

‘The New Big 5 consists of elephants, polar bears, gorillas, tigers, and lions – some of the most iconic animals on our planet. They’re a stark reminder of what’s at stake if we don’t change our ways. That’s how I will look at each of them, as beautiful representatives of the many thousands of other, often lesser-known species who desperately need our help.’ he added

One million species currently face the threat of extinction. The animals in the New Big 5 can serve as global ambassadors for all the world’s wildlife and the crisis they face.

All 5 animals are keystone species, essential to the balance of nature in their habitats, biodiverse ecosystems, and the survival of other species. Each species is vital to the health of the planet and to our future.

Elephant photographed by David Lloyd

‘Elephants are among the most important species in Africa and Asia for maintaining incredible habitats and environments. And what great ambassadors they are for wildlife the world over. But elephants are in distress. They’re poached for their ivory, hunted for their meat, their habitats are disappearing and they’re being killed as a result of human-wildlife conflict. To save elephants, we have to all step up to protect them.’ says Dr Paula Kahumbu, CEO and founder of Wildlife Direct.

Lion photographed by Marsel van Oosten

‘Lions need all the attention they can get. They’re in serious trouble. There are only about 20,000 lions left in Africa. They’ve disappeared from 80 to 90 percent of their historical range. Lions are icons of what it means to be wild. It would be a tragedy to lose lions across our continent. But I hope that by coming together, we can address these threats and ensure lions are free to roam across Africa’s spectacular landscapes. We can’t let them disappear.’ says Dr Shivani Bhalla, Founder and Executive Director of Ewaso Lions.

Gorilla photographed by Usha Harish

‘Gorillas are incredible, intelligent, and caring animals. Unfortunately, both species of gorillas–eastern gorilla and western gorilla–are critically endangered, the last step before extinction in the wild. Luckily, mountain gorilla numbers are increasing, showing conservation can succeed when we work together.’ says Dr Tara Stoinski, CEO of Dian FosseyGorilla Fund.

PICTURES: Supplied