Human and Nature Collection -- Meerkat Affection

Author: Alain Degrey
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-06-01
Features: As "Femme d'Argent" magazine introduced the book "Meerkats' Affection," it said: "When one sees meerkats, it is arduous and winding, the process is astonishing." Meerkats live in the Kalahari Desert on the central plateau of southern Africa. It is a vast expanse of sandstone stretching over two million kilometers, with no surface water, harsh climate, and rarely visited by humans. In this human-free zone, not only would living for a few years be impossible, but even staying for a couple of days would be a challenge. The photographer had to overcome not only the difficulties of the natural environment but also the threat of predators to human life. To get close to the meerkats, Alain neglected to eat or sleep, lying quietly on the sand and patiently waiting. Sometimes, he willingly let the meerkats take charge, following their tracks or chasing after their burrows, running around aimlessly. Meerkats are not fools. To accept these giants that have hunted them since ancient times and threatened their survival would not be easy. Although the initial months of adjustment were not smooth, Alain did not give up. He firmly believed that with patience, he would eventually get close to the meerkats.
The Library of Human and Nature, the charming demeanor of the adorable little creatures, and the magical works of the extraordinary photographer. The famous French wildlife photographer Alain Degrey came to the Kalahari Desert in southern Africa in 1983 in search of a fascinating little creature—the meerkat, which was then little known to outsiders. In the first nine months, he took no photos. Only after the meerkats no longer feared him, grew accustomed to his presence, and dared to climb onto his head to keep watch did he pick up his camera. Over the next six years, the series of poetic and picturesque images of meerkats he captured made this book another magical masterpiece by the extraordinary photographer, and the charming demeanor of the adorable little creatures spread far and wide. As a result, some college students and professionals came to seek advice from Alain.