Photographer Joel Sartore Reaches Milestone with 18,000th Species in Photo Ark
Joel Sartore, a National Geographic photographer, has reached a significant milestone in his Photo Ark project by photographing his 18,000th species, the critically endangered red handfish. The Photo Ark, initiated in 2006, aims to document the diversity of animal life on Earth, highlighting species that are often overlooked. Sartore's work involves capturing images of animals in controlled environments such as zoos and aquariums, ensuring the animals are accustomed to human presence. His portraits, typically set against black or white backdrops, focus on the animals' unique features, aiming to raise awareness about biodiversity loss. The project has grown to include a wide range of species, from mammals and birds to insects and marine life, with the goal of showcasing the beauty and vulnerability of these creatures. 
