Monde Sauvage

American flamingo

A Photographic exhibition by Mark Playle

As a photographer, I am constantly motivated by the beauty of our natural world. My lens serves as a conduit through which I strive to capture the raw essence of wildlife. While my professional work spans multiple genres, it is in the field of wildlife conservation that my passion finds its deepest roots.

Through my lens, I strive not only to document the impressive diversity of life on Earth, but also to advocate for its preservation. Every click of the shutter is imbued with a sense of responsibility, a commitment to raising awareness of the fragile ecosystems that sustain us all. In a world where the march of progress threatens the delicate balance of nature, I see photography as a powerful tool for change.

My personal work is a testament to this belief. Through intimate portraits of wildlife, I seek to foster a connection between viewer and subject, igniting a spark of empathy and understanding. Whether it’s the piercing gaze of a predator or the delicate dance of a bird, each image is a reminder of our shared responsibility to protect and conserve.

At a time when the natural world is facing unprecedented challenges, photography has the power to transcend boundaries, spark conversations, and inspire action. Through my work, I hope to inspire others to join me in the fight for wildlife conservation, recognizing that our collective future is intrinsically linked to the health and vitality of the world around us.

Roti Island snake-necked turtle. Critically Endangered.

Named after Rote Island in Indonesia where it was first discovered. Commonly known as McCord's Snake Neck Turtle named in honour of Dr. William Patrick McCord a turtle expert.

One of the most sought after turtles in the international pet trade. Legal trade was prohibited in 2001. The two or three remaining populations live in an area of only 70 square km (27 square miles) in the central highlands of Rote Island. It is still illegally captured and sold as the New Guinea Snake-Necked Turtle.

Apart from man there are few natural threats to this species.

Lion. Vulnerable.

Native to Africa and India. Groups are called prides. A pride consists of about fifteen. It includes a few adult males, related females, and cubs. Lions are inactive for around twenty hours per day. They do not actively prey on humans.

Muscles make up 58.8% of a lions body weight, the highest percentage of muscles among mammals.

Adult males have a prominent mane which grows downwards and backwards, covering most of the head, neck, shoulders, and chest. The mane is typically brownish and tinged with yellow, rust, and black hairs. It starts growing when lions enter adolescence, when testosterone levels increase, and reach their full size at around four years old.

Since 1996, the lion has been classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, largely due to a drastic decline in the population across African countries, which have decreased by approximately 43% since the early 1990s.

Sustaining lion populations outside of designated protected areas has become increasingly challenging. Although the exact causes of this decline are not fully understood, habitat loss and conflicts with humans stand out as the main reasons.

Northern white-cheeked gibbon. Critically Endangered.

From Northern Vietnam: There are Twenty-two groups in the National Park, Sixty-four groups in the Centre for Nature Conservation and Development. Northern Laos has fifty seven groups in a National Protected Area.

The Northern white-cheeked gibbon can live up to thirty years in the wild.

They sing duets at dawn but only on sunny days. Calls are complex. They differ between males and females. The female begins by making a series of fifteen to thirty notes with an increasing pitch. The male joins in with rapid changes of frequency modulation. Males also make booming sounds and short single notes. The cycle lasts less than twenty seconds then repeats with increasing intensity for five to seventeen minutes. Juveniles sometimes join in to create a full dawn chorus. In captivity males and females that sing duets together often are the most likely to mate.

This exhibition, presented in collaboration with La Belle Poule, Amboise, offers a unique opportunity to delve deep into my portfolio and encounter some of my favorite works. Spanning several years and many different projects with sanctuaries and conservation societies. Each photograph exhibited has been carefully curated to encapsulate the essence of my passion for wildlife conservation. From the majestic grandeur of endangered species to the complex interplay of ecosystems, these images invite viewers on a journey of discovery and contemplation. Through this collaboration, my goal is to not only showcase the beauty of the natural world, but also to inspire reflection and action in the face of environmental challenges. Together, let’s embark on a visual odyssey that celebrates the wonders of nature and highlights the urgency of conservation efforts.

For those unable to visit, special edition archival prints are available in various sizes with worldwide shipping.

July 12 - September 5 2024

42 Rue Rabelais, 37400 Amboise
Wednesday 2 p.m. / 6 p.m.
Thursday 3 p.m. / 8 p.m.
Friday 4 p.m. / 8 p.m.
Saturday 2 p.m. / 5 p.m.