Sketch for Survival is an unprecedented collection of wildlife art, going under the hammer to raise money to help protect endangered animals. The collection features wildlife artwork by international artists from 14 different countries as well as the work of celebrity supporters including Dame Judi Dench, Stephen Fry, Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Kevin Pietersen.

The art collection and exhibition was the idea of conservation charity The Real Africa Trust. Amongst the most sought after lots are two by David Shepherd, who sadly passed away earlier this month at the age of 86. David Shepherds's wildlife paintings have helped raise millions for wildlife conservation over the years.

As Sara White from the Real Africa Trust says: "David Shepherd was a wildlife artist who devoted his life to protecting some of the world's most iconic species.It seems a fitting tribute that our Sketch for Survival art collection is raising money to do the same - to help fight wildlife crime and protect endangered animals."

The Sketch for Survival collection features two David Shepherd lots - both available to bid for via online auction until Sunday 15 October.  Lot 10 is a limited edition print of 'The Welcome Storm' featuring one of David's trademark bull elephants, facing the viewer with ears spread wide.  Lot 91 is a rare limited edition leather-bound David Shepherd archive featuring 123 reproductions of his work. The archive comes with a limited edition print 'Tiger Haven' and has been restricted to a worldwide edition of just 1000 copies. Both lots have been signed by the late great man.

Sketch for Survival is part of a wider conservation campaign called Explorers against Extinction. Profits from ticket sales to the event featuring Sir Ranulph Fiennes on Thursday 12 October at The Royal Geographical Society will be combined with profits from the Sketch for Survival auction before being donated to The David Sheldrick Wildife Trust and the anti-poaching dog squads of Animals saving Animals. Tickets to the event can be purchased from Ticket Source priced £20-£100 and include entry to the Sketch for Survival exhibition.

For more information please visit explorersagainstextinction.co.uk