Our Responsibility to Endangered SpecieS

January 29, 2025 Written by Jennifer Leigh Warner

 It is the dream of many inspiring wildlife photographers to capture an image of a rare and endangered species. These images of wildlife that are rarely seen can give the photographer credibility in the photo community. They can create added value to a photographer’s portfolio, and they can introduce a species to the general population that may be less familiar with these subjects.

A one-horned rhinoceros in Kaziranga National Park stands near a guard station.The greater one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinocerosunicornis) is endangered and is protected in Kaziranga National Park, a World Heritage Site in Assam, India.

Although seeking out endangered species to photograph can have many benefits for both of us as photographers and the species themselves, there is a level of responsibility on the photographer's part to aid in the protection of these animals.

Divulging Locations

Sharing locations of sensitive wildlife can harm the very species we aim to photograph. Although providing general location data can help photo viewers have a greater understanding of the species and can aid lawmakers in knowing which critical habitat needs to be protected. It can also cause habituation, harassment and even poaching to occur. 

When posting images of endangered species, it is more advisable to give broad location data instead of specific locations. It is also wise to postpone posting the image until the animal has time to move on from that location. You should also turn off GPS data in your meta data on your camera.

A family of Whooping Cranes (Grus americana) take off in their wintering habitat in Texas along the Gulf of Mexico.

Avoid Approaching Endangered Species

Due to the low numbers of individuals in these species, habitat is more important than ever for the survival of these animals. It is crucial that we do everything on our part not to make them feel unsafe in that habitat by not approaching too closely. Use photo blinds where appropriate and use longer telephoto lenses in order to keep a safe and respectable distance.

An ambassador cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) chases after a lure at the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia. This Cheetah was rescued from the illegal wildlife trade at three days old and cannot be returned to the wild.

Educate

 Photographing an endangered species is a privilege and with any privilege comes the responsibility to use those images to educate others about these species. When sharing images on social media, in blogs or in articles, mention what challenges these species face, including loss of habitat, climate change etc. and give suggestions on how the photo viewer can help.   

Michael Stevens Senior Research Associate at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance helps provide in the field medical workup for a translocated burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) before being placed in the temporary aviary at Rancho Jamul Ecological Reserve.

Give Credit Where Credit is Due 

Lastly, when possible support efforts to help those working to protect these endangered species. If you are interested in a particular species, see who in the area is working to protect them. Use your photos to raise awareness of the work they are doing. Sell or donate images to the agency that is working on these programs and help tell their stories.