Photographer Spends 2 Years Photographing Endangered Animals And The Result Is Heartbreaking

We live in times when it is very common to read about animals that are being categorized as endangered or extinct. And while this has become an everyday occurrence, owing to the indiscriminate poaching done by humans, it still continues to be sad. And it will always be so. But there are efforts made every single day by activists to protect these animals.

Citizens of different countries are trying to help in their own special way. And this brings us to a British photographer named Tim Flach, who spent 2 years photographing endangered animals as he could find. The photos are magnificent, no doubt about that. But they are also increasingly depressing, heartbreaking and tear-jerking. You would have to be a stone to not get affected by them.

They also serve as a warning. Someday, beauty is going to be extinct and we would forever be thirsty for it. Playing with lives isn’t a good thing to do and we ought to know that before we mess up even further.

Here are some of the majestic and extraordinary animals whose lives we have put in danger:

1. Philippine Eagle

Ironically, these birds, of whom only 600 are numbered, are also the national bird of the Philippines.

2. Iberian Lynx

Since 2000, there has been an increase in their conservation, leading to an increase in their number from 100 to 326. But more needs to be done.

3. Ring-Tailed Lemur

Even after extravagant conservationist efforts, their numbers continue to decrease, with just 2000 alive now. This decrease is due to poaching, hunting, and the usual displacement of animals.

4. Red Panda

Relatively unknown and hard to calculate, it is estimated that 10000 of such individuals still live. The population keeps decreasing.

5. Fireflies

Deforestation and pesticides have led to a loss of fireflies in many regions.

6. Saiga

One of the most endangered species, 12000 of them suddenly died in Kazakhstan.

7. Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey

Found in Southern China with a population of 8000-15000, they are under constant threat of extinction.

8. Shoebill

Intrinsic to Africa, only 5000-8000 struggle to survive.

9. Western Lowland Gorillas

Threatened by hunters, only 100, 000 live.

10. Proboscis Monkey

A 50% decrease has been noted in their population due to increased poaching.

11. Indian Gharial

Owing to the loss of their habitat and a decline in fish population, their numbers have dropped down to 235.

12. Marine Iguana

Not really endangered, but perpetually threatened by poaching and an increase in tourism.

13. White-bellied Pangolin

Exact numbers are not known, but they are being continuously poached.

14. Olm Salamander

The only blind salamander known to us, they have been susceptible to climate change.

15. Beluga Sturgeon

Although they can live up to 100 years, they aren’t allowed to by hunters. Their caviar makes them lucrative targets for hunters as it can fetch up to 10,000$ per kg.