National Geographic Magazine

Amazing discoveries and experiences await you in every issue of National Geographic magazine. The latest news in science, exploration, and culture will open your eyes to the world’s many wonders.

FROM THE EDITOR

Saving Endangered Species, Saving Ourselves

CONTRIBUTORS

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORERS • These contributors have received funding from the National Geographic Society, which is committed to illuminating and protecting the wonder of our world.

IN SEARCH OF STILL LIFES • A photographer roams Canada creating portraits of ecosystems to foster greater appreciation for nature’s smaller elements.

THE BACKSTORY • HIKING AT A SNAIL’S PACE GIVES THIS PHOTOGRAPHER TIME TO DOCUMENT THE LITTLE THINGS BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE.

We Need Play, Seriously • ADULTS TEND TO DISMISS IT AS SILLY OR CHILDISH, BUT HAVING FUN MAY BE FUNDAMENTAL TO THE SURVIVAL OF OUR SPECIES.

Playtime 101, for Adults

Fun: Not Just for Mammals

ON THE COAT TALES • TWO GIRAFFES, ONE IN THE WILD AND ONE IN CAPTIVITY, WERE SPOTTED WITHOUT THEIR SPOTS.

Follow the leader

Could a false tooth be a twofer?

A Gift, When It Mattered Most • AFTER A PHOTOGRAPHER RECEIVED HEARTBREAKING NEWS DURING A DIFFICULT ASSIGNMENT, HE WAS DESPERATE. THEN POPE FRANCIS TOOK A DETOUR.

ARA KUSUMA

TRAILING THE ROYALS • CENTURIES-OLD FOOTPATHS IN HAWAI‘I, WHERE NOBLES ONCE STEPPED, OFFER GLIMPSES INTO THE ISLANDS’ PAST.

WALKING HAWAI‘I’S HISTORY • Footpaths and trails, first protected by Hawaiian royalty in 1892, have grown into a network of 500 miles across six islands.

FEATURES

FLIGHT OF THE MONARCHS • Each year these iconic butterflies undertake one of the most extraordinary—and increasingly dangerous—journeys on the planet. Now scientists and citizens are joining forces to help them thrive.

A GENERATIONAL JOURNEY

CONTINENTAL QUEST

Restoring monarch habitat, one yard at a time

Reproductive Revolution • For years, science has made it possible to start families later in life. Now, more advanced methods to extend fertility may be on the way.

Smaller Families, Starting Later

Illuminating the Human Embryo

BETWEEN TWO WORLDS • TO PROTECT ITS TRADITIONAL WAY OF LIFE, AN AMAZON TRIBE TAKES UP MODERN TOOLS.

ENCROACHING DANGERS

A FRAGILE FABRIC OF LIVING THINGS • For 50 years, the Endangered Species Act has shielded wildlife in peril and, in turn, boosted all biodiversity. Here, see the role that five protected animals play in a web of other creatures.

TREASURE ISLAND • ON AN UNINHABITED ISLAND, A PHOTOGRAPHER DISCOVERS THE BEAUTY OF ISOLATION.

REUBEN WU • FROM OUR PHOTOGRAPHERS