Joel Sartore's Photo Ark Hits 18,000 Species—Here's How He Captures Them

Archive of Animal Photography Reveals 18,000 Species and Counting

For 20 years, National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore has been documenting Earth's animal diversity through his Photo Ark project. Starting with a naked mole-rat in 2006, he has now photographed 18,000 species, including the critically endangered red handfish. His portraits, set against black and white backdrops, aim to make even the smallest creatures look significant and inspire conservation. The project has also funded on-the-ground efforts, such as restoring Florida's Pine Rocklands and breeding Ecuadorian harlequin frogs.