Rare: Portraits of America's Endangered Species

by Joel Sartore

When a few of these photographs first appeared in the National Geographic magazine January 2009 issue, they were hailed as an arresting reminder of the hundreds of species teetering on the brink of final extinction—more than 1,200 animals and plants in all. Now, in Rare, Joel Sartore and National Geographic present 80 iconic images, representing a lifelong commitment to the natural world and a three-year investigation into the Endangered Species Act and the creatures it exists to protect.

This book will give readers not only a broader understanding of the history and purpose of the Endangered Species Act, but also an intimate look at the very species it seeks to preserve. With stunning up-close portraits on every page, this important volume evokes sympathetic wonder at the vast and amazing array of plants and animals still in need of protection.

Itself a creation of particular beauty, Rare offers eloquent proof that a picture really is worth a thousand words as it shows us, one after another, scores of uniquely remarkable and seriously threatened life-forms. It is a compelling story and a many-faceted, brilliant jewel of a book.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Photography, Nature, Science, Art, Wildlife

160 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

From Wikipedia: Joel Sartore (born June 16, 1962, Ponca City, Oklahoma) is an American photographer, speaker, author, teacher, and a 20-year contributor to National Geographic magazine. Sartore grew up in Ralston, Nebraska and graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in journalism. His interest in nature started in childhood, when he learned about the very last passenger pigeon from one of his mother's Time-Life picture books. He has since been chased by a wide variety of species including wolves, grizzlies, musk oxen, lions, elephants and polar bears. His first National Geographic assignments introduced him to nature photography, and also allowed him to see human impact on the environment first-hand.

In addition to the work he has done for National Geographic, Joel has contributed to Audubon Magazine, GEO, Time, Life, Newsweek, Sports Illustrated and numerous book projects. Joel and his work have been the subjects of several national broadcasts including National Geographic's Explorer, the NBC Nightly News, NPR's Weekend Edition and an hour-long PBS documentary, At Close Range. He is also a contributor on the CBS Sunday Morning Show with Charles Osgood. In 2015, he had an appearance in the film Racing Extinction where he photographed the very last Rabb's fringe-limbed treefrog.

Joel Sartore is a founding Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers (ILCP).[1] In 2012, Sartore was named a Fellow of the National Geographic Society.

Reviews

[Meaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The photographs here are absolutely exquisite. There is also some short accompanying commentary, not only about the species but also about how the photographer was able to take his pictures. I like how he included animals both ugly and cute, as well as insects and plants. He makes a good point that even a small, seemingly insignificant species deserves to exist as much as we do. This sends a strong message.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeously photographed, exquisite but heartbreaking. Simple, spare, stark photographs of the rarest of the rare, with short explanatory text about most of the animals. It does end on a hopeful note, but it makes for some grim reading.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book and pledge to do something.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books that I randomly came upon at my library as I was coming to do reviews. I was intrigued that someone would choose to focus on just upon North American species as most conservation attempts embrace even more well-known but usually abroad species to focus upon in their attempts.

The material was quite new to me while I did learn a lot about some of the species that I knew but there were plenty more that I hadn't quite heard of, especially as some were subspecies that had been mentioned. And others that I had heard of I hadn't thought that they were in peril like the devil of the north, the wolverine, which after getting a chance to go through this book now makes sense. It is amazing to think of how little we know about the world that is around us.

The book was formatted to explore the species of North America by the amount of the population. After that there was no actual organization to the species. Each was introduced by its population total whether it was a guess or not, its name and scientific name. From there the author used a paragraph or two to explain what is causing the most destruction for the creature and giving the reader a little bit more insight to the actual animal. Further information would be included in the glossary in the back.

What I truly enjoyed about the book, though, was occasionally for some of the entries there was an extra paragraph that the author used to share his experiences or methods in capturing the images of some of the animals. Not many photographers care to share this information and I found that it allowed us not only to relate to the animal but also the photographer while giving an occasional good laugh or two such as for the wolverine.

The photographs were wonderful in most instances and I truly enjoyed them although a few were blurry. Although I understand the need and the reason behind plain backgrounds such as the white and black I didn't really enjoy them as much, especially since some of the backgrounds didn't seem good enough to capture the actual animal. Also the photographs of the polar bear threw me for a loop as the bear looks more brown in the lighting and so I had to find some other photos by the author to confirm it while I noticed on the web he had some actual better photos from possibly the same shoot in which you could tell the polar bear was a polar bear.

All in all it was a wonderful and informative book while I think that most animal-lovers would enjoy it. Even if you don't want to read it there are plenty of pictures while the reader will definitely find there are some sure cuties that will pull your heart strings.

[LibraryCin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a National Geographic book. The photographer arranged to have photos taken of several endangered species. There are a few plants, but mostly animals. Almost all of these are species deemed endangered by the Endangered Species Act in the U.S.

There are some beautiful photos; the photographer made sure they each had a completely black or completely white background for the photos. In addition to the photos, each species also has a paragraph with information about it including where to find it, the habitat, why it’s endangered, etc. Some of them also have an additional note by the photographer on how the photo was taken. Some of the photos are close-up, so are very detailed.

[Laura Scribner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up from the library (even though I have so many other books to read) because I can’t leave without grabbing something to read.

It turned out to be a great choice. The pictures are wonderful and the quick read on each animal were well written and informative.

The fact that it gives us the number of animals left of each species is moving. So many of these creatures I knew were endangered, but had no idea the numbers were so small. Very eye opening.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pictures were gorgeous, and I loved learning a few new things about these different rare animals!

Recommended for all ages!

[Malli (Chapter Malliumpkin) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The following review is based off my own opinions, thoughts and reactions. So in other words brace yourself. *There may be inappropriate words such as curse words.* You have been advised in advance.*

BRILLIANT, AMAZING, AND HEART-BREAKING!



If you've seen the movie Racing Extinction, the Photo Ark is actually featured in the movie as well as Joel Sartore. The movie goes into great detail about the work and the endangered animals that come through that need humanity's help. Which I recommend watching the movie first because there's a lot of information in the movie itself.

I think this book and the Photo Ark project itself is just an amazing way to raise awareness about these endangered animals. Its also one of the most unique ways I've seen for the hearts of people to just get their breath stolen away by these animals.



I think that many people need to get this book because it's very well done. The photos are really beautiful and each one is unique to compliment the animal itself. Plus, the fact that little side notes were added for certain photos to give a little back story on how that photo was taken was really amazing and just allows the reader to have a little piece of feeling like they were their with Joel themselves.

The wording itself though is one for a round of applause. Every once of the wording in this book tugs at your heart, but also causes the wheels in your mind to turn and really think about making the changes that need to be done. Also the fact that Joel stated facts and key information really well in this book. I think facts are probably the biggest thing when it comes to raising awareness about the environment, endangered species, plant life, and going green. Many people tend to overlook the facts, but I'm glad that a lot of the importance was stated in this book.



I think in general this book has just flared up the flame in my heart even more for wanting to preserve endangered animals and just do more right/better by the four-legged creatures on this planet than just the little things of recycling or re-purposing bottle caps. I want to get out there and plant some trees, start a bee friendly garden, build some bat boxes, simple things that can be done in my own backyard.

A really amazing part was the author included ways for people to help. Obviously you can donate money or there's ways to volunteer, but I think the fact that the author included websites and other ideas to help was a great touch of getting personal with the readers and people who want to make a difference in the world. A great way to pass on knowledge to help better the future for all living things.



All in all this book deserves an award. Its one of the books I consider a favorite and that touches the reader on a personal level. Not too mention the author is dedicated to raising awareness about endangered species which is something I'm a firm believer in. I highly recommend this book and it's one that should be read by all mankind, young and old. This book is a must read!

If you're interested in the movie Racing Extinction, then please check out the link below!

Racing Extinction Trailer

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joel Sartore is a wonderful human being, one who is trying to challenge readers to recognize what extinction means and that the lives of rare and endangered animals "matter to them as ours matter to us." He travels the country to photograph capture portraits of these creatures before they slip into extinction. He wants these creatures to stare us in the eye, to challenge us into caring about the natural world. Bryn's portrait is of a frail pygmy rabbit, the last of her line. She died in 2008. This photo breaks my heart--she looked so sad and forlorn in her last days. The portraits are beautiful in and of themselves. A brief description of the animal (or plant, in some cases) accompanies each photo, as well as a bit of commentary the actual photographic shoot. From relic species, like an Ice Age snail (until 1972 known only in fossils, when they were discovered alive)to the magnificent red wolf (only 330 remaining in the world) or the woodland caribou (only 46 remaining), the book is a catalog of loss . . . a fraying of the web of life. Shame on our species, is all I can say. Sartore has a small section at the end called "Taking Action," with as its first action: "Be aware of what's going on," and then "realize how you live has a real impact on the planet."

This is a very moving collection of portraits. It should inspire even the most unenlightened to some level of understanding about the place we've brought this planet and its many creatures to in a few short centuries.

[Adelaide · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s an awful shame that books like this have to exist. That being said, the photographs in this book are gorgeous and hard won in some cases, making for interesting “behind the scenes” tidbits scattered throughout the book. The goal was to draw awareness by using black and white backgrounds, and the goal was definitely accomplished: The animals stand out, stand forward, and command your attention. There’s even a little bit at the back of the book with some suggestions on how ordinary people can help preserve species, and as someone who just can’t dedicate time or money to conservation efforts, I really appreciate the consideration for people who want to help but don’t think they have the means. This book is definitely worth a look, even if it’s just for the pictures.

[g-na · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pictorial essay highlighting 69 species of endangered American plants and animals, some of whom have since gone extinct. Sartore's photos are beautiful, and short blurbs describing how they came about accompany some of the photos. (Who knew if would take 4.5 months to get a permit to photograph a wild Dehli Sands flower-loving fly, and then require a federally permitted fly handler and several federal agents to be present to capture a single fly, one of less than a thousand remaining.) Not all species included are as cute or iconic as the polar bear or the black-footed ferret, but cuteness should not be a prerequisite for conservation.

[Stephanie Kuwasaki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw Joel give a talk last year at National Geographic's artist series. Hearing his stories about how he got the pictures of the animals made the photo even more amazing. His pictures are amazing, highlighting the animals' precarious status in our world with the hope that maybe we can save them.

[Amber the Human · Rating 4 out of 5]

So pretty. And sad. But at least the animals are being archived, and the more aware we are as a species, the better. So take a look at these beautiful creatures, and flora and enjoy them. I hope they all stick around.

[Arianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was beautiful and truly haunting. A grim reminder that most of the time mankind only looks out for itself. If we continue to consume the planet at the rate we have been going, all of the creatures in this book will become distant memories.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book, I didn't realize that there were so many animals close to leaving this planet.
Something truly does need to be done to protect our animals but the sad thing is, I don't know really where to begin but I know something needs to happen now!

[Zack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just beautiful, yet heart breaking to see some of the numbers.

[Kya]

I loved this book. It broke my heart to see that the Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbit is extinct.

[Callie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely incredible. I read it cover to cover in an hour. The writing is compelling, and the photographs speak for themselves. Buy it, read it, and share it.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful and informative book! The photographs are amazing!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sad, yet adorable. Absolutely wonderful photos.

[Minna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of Mr. Sartore's work. I first came to be familiar with him via his Photo Ark project, and have religiously followed him on Instagram and in the news ever since.
Rare is one of his earlier works and of course, is now almost a decade old. Therefore, I decided as I perused it to simultaneously look up each insect, plant, or animal and see its current status. Mostly I was very disappointed to see that nothing has really changed for any of these animals/plants; they're still barely holding on (at best) or continuing to fade away (at worst). In our current political climate I'm sorry to say that none of these featured rare species have a snowball's chance in you-know-what of resurging and, due to repeals of many of the previous administration EPA policies and laws, will face renewed habitat destruction and degradation that will set them back even further.

Because, you know, who cares about another bug or salamander or bird if we could build a development/giant warehouse/extra parking lot and make some $$$? *<---sarcasm.

[alexander shay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like the concept behind Animal Ark and Sartore's work. I get the idea behind using plain backgrounds to let the animals stand out with their own features. And that photos of some of these animals can be really hard to take. But some of them are the animal facing away or only partially in the frame or otherwise not fully visible and it seems like, not "bad" photography, but like better images could have been chosen. I picked the book up mostly for the photos but I actually found the facts and info tidbits included with each photo and how the book was sectioned into how many (estimated) of each species is left more useful.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

In our current situation of social distancing I started to feel the need to connect. So I read Rare.Helping me appreciate what we have and could one day have again. Not some of these in the book but work harder for the ones we still have. Connections with animals and humans are equally important. Some of these species might be extinct before their time and this book is really important so they can be appreciated and remembered.

[Marjorie Elwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

With gorgeous photography and interesting technical notes about how Sartore took the photographs, this still manages to be depressing, as you realize that most of these creatures are heading towards extinction.

"We don't know enough about life on Earth to say which species we can afford to live without, and we probably never will."

[Abby Hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like everyone should be required to flip through this book. The first step to saving our planet is education. A lot of people have no idea that these things even exist, much less the effect they have on them.

[David Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

[Kathleen Messmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frightening to see the numbers associated with our declining species. A harbinger if what’s to cone for humans?

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

So 👏🏼 important 👏🏼

[MKF · Rating 3 out of 5]

My favorite thing about the Photo Ark series is discovering animals I've never heard of before.

[Gabriel Davis]

05/16/19