Mark Carwardine

Mark Carwardine (born 1959) is a British zoologist, conservationist, award-winning author, and wildlife photographer. He gained international recognition for co-presenting the BBC series Last Chance to See with Douglas Adams and Stephen Fry, which focused on endangered species around the world. Carwardine has written over 50 books on wildlife and conservation, including the bestselling Last Chance to See and the comprehensive Handbook of Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises. He also contributes a monthly column to BBC Wildlife magazine and has served as Chairman of the judging panel for the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition .

Beyond his writing and broadcasting, Carwardine is an outspoken advocate for environmental issues. He has highlighted the alarming decline in rhino populations, stating, "The scary thing is that in my lifetime, 95 per cent of the world's rhinos have been killed" . His work emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts and the urgent need to protect endangered species and their habitats.

Carwardine's dedication to wildlife conservation is reflected in his own words: "To have a huge, friendly whale willingly approach your boat and look you straight in the eye is without doubt one of the most extraordinary experiences on the planet" . This sentiment captures his deep connection to the natural world and his commitment to preserving it for future generations.