Björn Persson's 'The Earth We Share' Captures Endangered Wildlife

Swedish photographer Björn Persson's new book, 'The Earth We Share: Extraordinary Photography of Our Vanishing Species,' is set for release on September 8 via Rizzoli. The volume features dozens of Persson's black-and-white and color photographs of endangered animals, from Tanzanian grasslands around Mount Kilimanjaro to Antarctica. His bold, tonal portraiture captures both dramatic moments—running giraffes, a stoic American bison—and intimate family scenes, such as a lioness playing with her cubs or cheetahs perched on a knoll. Many animals gaze directly at the viewer, creating a sense of being watched, while others scan the grasses for prey or companions. The book includes a preface by the late Dr. Jane Goodall, who completed her writing shortly before her death last year. Persson aims to inspire conservation by portraying animals as sentient beings, emphasizing hope rather than discouragement. The photographs highlight species facing threats from poaching, habitat loss, and climate change. The book is available for pre-order on Bookshop, and more of Persson's work can be found on his Instagram. The project underscores the urgency of wildlife preservation and the power of photography to foster empathy and action.