Arkive Animals was a pioneering digital library launched in 2003, dedicated to documenting Earth’s biodiversity. This ambitious project aimed to create a comprehensive visual and auditory record of global life. It served as a unique online resource, making high-quality wildlife media widely accessible.
Understanding Arkive’s Purpose
The core reason behind Arkive’s establishment was to advance wildlife conservation through the compelling impact of visual and auditory media. It was envisioned as a centralized digital archive, collecting films, photographs, and audio recordings of the world’s species. The project’s initial focus involved creating audio-visual profiles for approximately 17,000 species listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
This initiative aimed to inspire and educate individuals about the natural world, particularly drawing attention to species facing the threat of extinction. By presenting vivid portrayals of animals, plants, and fungi, Arkive sought to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for biodiversity. It also aimed to establish a lasting, accessible record of life on Earth for present and future generations.
The Breadth of Arkive’s Content
Arkive’s collection grew to encompass a vast array of species, extending beyond only endangered organisms to include common ones, thereby providing a broader representation of global life. The platform meticulously gathered high-quality media, including still photographs, dynamic video footage, and detailed audio recordings. These multimedia assets brought scientific names to life, illustrating the behaviors, habitats, and unique characteristics of countless species.
The content curated by Arkive was contributed by over 3,000 leading filmmakers, photographers, scientists, and conservationists from around the world. This collaborative effort ensured a global reach in its documentation, capturing biodiversity from diverse ecosystems across continents. The project digitized media to the highest available quality, storing it without compression to preserve its integrity for long-term accessibility.
Arkive’s Enduring Contribution
Although Arkive.org ceased active updates and closed its website on February 15, 2019, its extensive collection has been carefully preserved. The project, an initiative of the UK-registered educational charity Wildscreen, ensured its valuable content remained available. Its content continues to be accessible through digital preservation efforts, including archives like the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine.
Wildscreen has launched a successor project, Wildscreen ARK, in February 2024, aiming to continue Arkive’s legacy of documenting and sharing wildlife media. This transition highlights the ongoing commitment to making the original Arkive collection’s rich resources available for educational and scientific purposes. The preservation of this digital library ensures that its visual and auditory records remain a resource for researchers, educators, and the public worldwide.
Arkive’s influence extends beyond mere archiving; it played a significant role in raising global awareness about biodiversity loss and the urgency of conservation. The compelling imagery and sound profiles helped to humanize species, fostering emotional connections that motivated conservation efforts. Its accessible format supported scientific research by providing a centralized repository of authenticated media, which aided in species identification, behavioral studies, and habitat analysis.
The project also served as an educational tool, bringing the natural world into classrooms and homes, inspiring new generations of conservationists. By making these resources freely available, Arkive supported various outreach programs, demonstrating the importance of protecting Earth’s diverse ecosystems. The enduring accessibility of its content means Arkive continues to contribute to understanding and safeguarding the planet’s wildlife.