Since 2004, photographer Rachel Sussman has braved some of the toughest climates around the world in order to photograph some of the oldest living organisms in the world, before they disappear forever. Her project reminds us how important it is to try and preserve these organisms, if only in photographs and memories. You will not believe how old some of these organisms are.
La Llareta (up to 3,000 years old; Atacama Desert, Chile).
Spruce Gran Picea #0909 – 11A07 (9,550 years old; Fulufjället, Sweden).
Welwitschia Mirabilis #0707-22411 (2,000 years old; Namib-Naukluft Desert, Namibia).
Antarctic Moss #0212-7B33 (5,500 years old; Elephant Island, Antarctica).
Jōmon Sugi, Japanese Cedar #0704-002 (2,180-7,000 years old; Yakushima, Japan.
Underground Forest #0707-10333 (13,000 years old; Pretoria South Africa) DECEASED.
source: rachelsussman (via Colossal)
