From David Lloyd/New Big 5
The African elephant belonged to the original "Big Five" -- a term used during colonial times in Africa to describe the most prized and dangerous animals to hunt. It has now been voted one of the "New Big 5" -- the world's favorite animals to see photographed -- as part of an initiative to raise awareness of the threats to wildlife.
From Gurcharan Roopra/New Big 5
Elephant populations have declined in recent years. The African elephant, the largest of all elephant species, has been worst hit -- with poaching for ivory one of the biggest threats. In 2016, there were an estimated 415,000 left on the continent, a decline of 111,000 since 2006.
From Graeme Green/New Big 5
Lions are found in sub-Saharan Africa, but despite not having a natural predator, their populations have plummeted by over 40% in the last three generations. They are threatened by habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict, as well as a reduction in numbers of their prey species as a result of hunting by humans. With only around 20,000 in the wild, they are classified as vulnerable.
From Marsel van Oosten/New Big 5
"It would be a tragedy to lose lions across our continent. But I hope that by coming together and giving lions the attention they deserve, we can address these threats and ensure lions are free to roam across Africa's spectacular landscapes," said Shivani Bhalla, founder of conservation group Ewaso Lions, in a press release announcing the results of the "New Big 5" vote.
From Usha Harish/New Big 5
Gorillas were also voted among the "New Big 5". Found in the tropical forests of central Africa, they are particularly vulnerable to habitat loss and deforestation. Both species of gorilla -- the eastern and western -- are considered critically endangered.
From Sandesh Kadur/New Big 5
"Gorillas are majestic animals but also vulnerable because they're so few in number. A good photograph can bring out their personalities and inspire people to protect them," said Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, founder and CEO of the non profit Conservation Through Public Health, in a press release for the New Big 5 initatiative.
From Anette Mossbacher/New Big 5
Polar bears are listed as vulnerable. Melting sea ice from climate change is their biggest threat, as they rely on the Arctic's frozen surfaces to hunt, travel, breed and raise their young.
From Ole Jorgen Liodden/New Big 5
Krista Wright, executive director of Polar Bears International, welcomed the inclusion of the species in the New Big 5. "They're keenly intelligent and endlessly fascinating to photograph and watch. Polar bears are also a powerful symbol of sea ice loss from global climate warming and a poignant messenger on the urgent need to act," she said in a press release.
From Shibu Nair Preman/New Big 5
Tigers are listed as endangered -- with an estimated 3,000 adults remaining in the wild. Habitat destruction, human-wildlife conflict, and the illegal wildlife trade are some of their biggest threats.
From Steve Winter/New Big 5
"Tigers are a photographer's dream. The beauty of a tiger in every photo promotes conservation, so if you want to save the world's most charismatic species, get your camera and go find the tiger," said Valmik Thapar, Indian conservationist and author, in a press release for the New Big 5.
CNN  — 

In the 1800s, when blood sports were more socially acceptable, the term “Big Five” was coined to refer to the lion, rhino, buffalo, elephant and leopard – 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 animals’ life rather than their death. He has set up the “New Big 5” project, which aims 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’s a much better way to celebrate animals,” he tells CNN.

When the project began in April 2020, it launched a year-long vote to determine the public’s five favorite animals to photograph, or see photographed. The results of the 50,000 online votes are now in.

There is some overlap between the “New Big 5” and the old – with the elephant and the lion still included. But the gorilla, tiger and polar bear are new entries, unseating the leopard, rhino and African buffalo.

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“I hope the five animals people have chosen for the New Big 5 can focus people’s minds on what’s happening to the world’s wildlife,” says Green. “They are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the crisis facing the world’s wildlife … but these five iconic animals can be global ambassadors and stand for all the other species facing the threat of extinction.”

From Anette Mossbacher/New Big 5
All the species picked for the New Big 5 are vulnerable to threats such as habitat loss and climate change.

Protection through pictures

One million of the planet’s eight million species are threatened with extinction by humans, according to the UN. Shrinking habitat, exploitation of natural resources, climate change and pollution are some of the main drivers.

Each of the species in the New Big 5 face severe threats to their existence, and are classified as either critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable.

Photography can help to educate people of these threats, says Green. It can introduce people to animals they haven’t seen before, or expose animal cruelty and the damage to their habitats. This can inspire people to support conservation projects or apply pressure on policymakers.

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The project has the backing of more than 100 photographers, as well as prominent conservationists, and wildlife organizations such as the WWF, Greenpeace, Conservation International, and the Born Free Foundation.

Jane Goodall, a conservationist and supporter of the New Big 5, said in a press release that “any project which brings attention to animals, so many of whom are threatened or endangered, is truly important.

“These five animals … are such beautiful and remarkable species, and are wonderful ambassadors for the world’s wildlife, from iconic species to little-known frogs, lizards, fish and birds,” she said.

Green says he will continue to raise awareness of conservation issues, and has ambitions to produce a photography book on the New Big 5, featuring the work of the international photographers involved with the project, with the profits going to wildlife charities.