SAILING peacefully across a river in the early morning light, a fisherman in China keeps a 1000 year old tradition alive. Equipped with a bird, gas lamp and net, he fishes without the aid of a rod by using an unusual method - first practiced in 960 AD. The fisherman, pictured in southern China, releases a cormorant bird which dives into the water and retrieves a carp, before returning to the fisherman’s reed raft. The stunning images of cormorant fishing were captured on the River Li in Guilin, China by Russian photographer Viktoriia Rogotneva when he visited the fishermen of Guilin.
Throwing a right hook as he launches onto his opponent with his gnarling teeth at the ready, this is the OTTER-LY ruthless showdown between two otters .
VENTURING into the ocean with self-made spears and nets, the fishermen of Zanzibar put their lives on the line when they catch food for their families .
Like a scene from a fairytale, THOUSANDS of fireflies create an enchanting glow as they dance in a forest .
From vivid greens to glowing pinks, the colours of the aurora borealis fill the night sky above a snow covered Lapland .
Say cheese! This cheeky chappy isn’t in the mood to live up to his scary reputation as he is pictured here cracking a killer smile as he goes about his daily business .
LYING flat out on his back, this little meerkat makes the most of the English sunshine .
DASHING through the snow, this little stoat is on the lookout for a Christmas feast .
HUDDLING under a leaf, a pair of adorable Javan scops owls take shelter from the rain .
SNUGGLING up against their teddy bears, these baby sloths could easily be mistaken for one of the cuddly toys .
DIPPING and diving their way through this bumpy journey, these giraffe's duck for cover as they dodge multiple cables and wires .
WITHOUT a care in the world, this little chimpanzee shows off her gymnastic skills as she swings around her enclosure .