Remembering Leopards book released

Fundraising photography book series Remembering Wildlife has published its eight book.

So far, the book series has donated over $1.3m (£1m) to protect endangered wild animals.

Remembering Leopards has an official launch on 11 October, live in London today and online around the world.

There is also a free exhibition of images from the book from 11-15 October at London’s Gallery@Oxo.

The hardback coffee table book is a collection of 80 stunning colour images taken by many of the world’s top wildlife photographers.

They include Marsel van Oosten, Art Wolfe, Frans Lanting, Greg du Toit, and Michael Poliza.

Each has generously donated images to help protect leopards in the wild.

This year’s cover image was taken by Mark Dumbleton.

The aim of the book is to raise awareness of the plight facing leopards and to raise money to protect them.

Eight leopard sub-species – African, Amur, Arabian, Indian, Indochinese, Javan, Sri Lankan and Persian – are featured, as well as snow and clouded leopards.

Founder and Producer of Remembering Wildlife Margot Raggett MBE said: “With their sheer beauty and agility, leopards are coveted by photographers and safari-goers alike.”

“There is something mesmerising about them that wins hearts the world over.”

“Yet, because of human actions, the global leopard population is in decline and they are now believed extinct in 23 of their 85 original range countries.

“Leopards have vanished from at least 40% of their historic range in Africa and over 50% of their historic range in Asia.

“Our mission is not only to celebrate leopards but to raise urgent awareness that they are in decline.”

“I’m grateful to all the photographers who have willingly donated their work to this book and to raise awareness and funds.”

The foreword for the book is by Dr Luke Hunter, Executive Director, Big Cats Program, Wildlife Conservation Society

“Remembering Leopards reminds us of what is at stake. When you look upon the glorious cats on these pages, be assured that it is not too late to save them.”

The afterword is by ‘The Big Cat People’ Jonathan & Angela Scott, who liken the ‘allure and beauty’ of leopards to ‘as if the Gods had smiled on you.’

Speaking alongside Margot Raggett at the official launch event will be acclaimed big cat and wildlife photographer Steve Winter and Dr Vidya Athreya, Director and Head – Science and Conversation at WCS-India.

The launch is a hybrid event (live and online).

To book tickets, click here.

Each book costs £49.50 (approximately $60) and copies can be ordered at www.rememberingwildlife.com.