Conservation Efforts through Instagram by the Indian Wildlife Photographers: A Study on Portrayal and Users’ Engagement of Endangered Species

Abstract

Wildlife photography is one of the genres among photography which primarily focuses on animals in their natural surroundings, such as forests or oceans.Wildlife photographers routinely capture images of animals in motion or action, such as when they are flying, fighting, or feeding. However, this area of photography is still least worked on.This study looks at how the top wildlife photographers in India have captured and portrayed endangered speciesthrough social media (Instagram). Here, endangered species is referred as any animal species that faces extinction because of a sharp drop in population or the loss of a vital habitat. The research undertakes quantitative research approach by using content analysis method. Photographs of endangered species captured by the India’s top wildlife photographers uploaded on Instagram feed during the two years (2022-23) from a wide range of 11 states in India has been studied. The study has focused on their portrayal pattern, user engagement strategies and how the awareness is spread for conservation of wildlife and endangered species. The research discovered a strong emphasis on terrestrial species with prime focus on land animals and little focus on birds and reptiles.