These photographs represent the 20-year-long mission of National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore to record North American species facing extinction. Rare: Portraits of America's Endangered Species showcases 69 of those creatures, form snails to pitcher plants, from wolves to whooping cranes. Through them, Sartore makes a passionsate appeal to all of us to protect our endangered wildlife. Photographed against a stark background of black or white, Sartore's portraits capture the essence of each plant or animal. Accompanying the images are insights from the photographer, current population counts, and information on the threats to these species. A compelling essay by acclaimed writer Verlyn Klinkenborg eloquently states the case for preserving biodiversity. In the ongoing sruggle to save plants and animals from extinction, Sartore's haunting portraits serve as a poignant roll call of North America's most endangered wildlife and an urgent call to action.