BACKGROUND
The Need for Finding Species
Scientists have identified 1.4 million species on earth and estimate that many millions more exist. Sadly, species are currently undergoing a catastrophic, human-induced mass extinction. Thousands are disappearing each year before we even have the opportunity to see them, let alone identify them and know them well. With the disappearance of each species, the planet’s biological web suffers.
The survival of the planet’s biodiversity depends upon humans. It depends upon our knowledge of species and habitats, and commitment to act. At the current pace, however, it will take scientists nearly 600 years to document all of the earth’s species. And, due to a number of factors, it could take much longer to reconnect people with the outdoor world and engage them in change.
A need exists for an organization that integrates science, photography, and design to create standardized methods of photo-documenting plants and animals. A need also exists for an organization that can consistently create these photographs and use them to engage critical audiences in action.
Finding Species fills this niche. Rather than relying on scientists to become photography experts, Finding Species draws on the expertise of our highly qualified staff and trained volunteers to produce accurate—and visually compelling—images and related texts. We use these in user-friendly and audience-specific ways, such as in interactive web-based field guides, conservation campaigns, federal programs, and more. Finding Species’ success relies also upon its close collaborative partnerships with governments, museums, universities, and conservation groups. While we focus on our core mission, we rely upon our partners for the latest scientific and taxonomic information, for legal conservation advocacy, for exhibition venues, and other key talents and skills. Please refer to our Galleries to see samples of Finding Species’ photographs.
Scientists have identified 1.4 million species on earth and estimate that many millions more exist. Sadly, species are currently undergoing a catastrophic, human-induced mass extinction. Thousands are disappearing each year before we even have the opportunity to see them, let alone identify them and know them well. With the disappearance of each species, the planet’s biological web suffers.
The survival of the planet’s biodiversity depends upon humans. It depends upon our knowledge of species and habitats, and commitment to act. At the current pace, however, it will take scientists nearly 600 years to document all of the earth’s species. And, due to a number of factors, it could take much longer to reconnect people with the outdoor world and engage them in change.
A need exists for an organization that integrates science, photography, and design to create standardized methods of photo-documenting plants and animals. A need also exists for an organization that can consistently create these photographs and use them to engage critical audiences in action.
Finding Species fills this niche. Rather than relying on scientists to become photography experts, Finding Species draws on the expertise of our highly qualified staff and trained volunteers to produce accurate—and visually compelling—images and related texts. We use these in user-friendly and audience-specific ways, such as in interactive web-based field guides, conservation campaigns, federal programs, and more. Finding Species’ success relies also upon its close collaborative partnerships with governments, museums, universities, and conservation groups. While we focus on our core mission, we rely upon our partners for the latest scientific and taxonomic information, for legal conservation advocacy, for exhibition venues, and other key talents and skills. Please refer to our Galleries to see samples of Finding Species’ photographs.
