The tourism conservation organisation Great Plains that was founded by National Geographic filmmaker-explorers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, recently revealed Art that Protects, which is a selection of Beverly Joubert Fine Art Prints available to purchase, with all proceeds going to support the Big Cats Initiative.
Not so long ago, lions used to roam in large numbers, whilst leopards, cheetahs, jaguars, tigers and pumas thrived in wild landscapes. However, they have collectively lost approximately 95% of their historic habitat. As apex predators, big cats are an integral part of our planet’s ecology as they help balance ecosystems and regulate healthy habitats. But their presence is fast disappearing and right across the world, big cats face imminent local extinctions which can be attributed to habitat loss, the illegal wildlife trade and conflicts with humans.
As a result of this, the Great Plains Foundation is constantly working to create hope through wildlife conservation, as well as by raising awareness and support through the Big Cats Initiative fundraiser.
Dereck Joubert, CEO of Great Plains, commented:
“When Beverly and I were born, there were an estimated 450,000 lions. Today, that number has dropped to less than 16,000. But we have seen firsthand that recovery is possible. We know how to preserve, rescue, and recover these species, and we can do it with your support.”
As part of the work they do, Beverly Joubert is, for a limited time, offering a selection of six of her breathtaking prints from her Beverly Joubert Fine Art collection in support of the Big Cats Initiative (BCI), which is a programme that has protected these species for over a decade.
100 per cent of the profits from each piece will go directly to conservation efforts that help restore habitats, prevent wildlife crime and advance human-wildlife coexistence.
An award-winning filmmaker, photographer, wildlife conservationist and National Geographic Explorer-at-Large, Beverly Joubert has co-produced over 40 films with her husband Dereck Joubert and published 12 books as co-author with Dereck. They have been recognised internationally for the raw authenticity of their work with accolades including The World Ecology Award, a Peabody Award, 22 Emmy nominations and 8 Emmy Awards as well as the Presidential Order of Merit in Botswana.
Both of them are passionate about the work they do in the field, saving, protecting and documenting the wildlife and the wilderness that has become their home.
These particular six photographs, three of which you can see here, represent some of Joubert’s favourite pieces that represent endangered and threatened cats. There needs to be a future where big cats still prowl through grasslands, jungles and mountains in their natural habitats, remaining an iconic symbol of each region’s natural and important heritage.
The photographs were taken on Joubert’s conservation adventures across sub-Saharan Africa, many within Great Plains camps in Botswana, Kenya and Zimbabwe.
This collection of striking images of big cats in their natural habitats include On the Move, Auras of Gold and Dusk Patrol in colour and priced at $550 each. However, if you prefer black and white photography then you can choose from Legadema Portrait ($550), In Waiting ($850) or Spotted Embrace ($850).
Available to purchase until 30th April 2025, each print of the Art That Protects Collection is an exclusive edition, limited to 25 prints per art piece and includes shipping costs.
For more information and to learn more about the Great Plains Foundation and what it does, please visit: www.greatplainsconservation.com.
Author Bio:
Simon Burrell is a UK-based travel and motoring journalist and editor, a former member of The British Guild of Travel Writers and professional photographer.
Photographs courtesy of Beverly Joubert
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