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.
LYING back in the snow, these two polar bears share a cuddle as they call time out on playtime .
DASHING through the snow, this little stoat is on the lookout for a Christmas feast .
A pair of chicks bravely decided to befriend a python, despite being the snake's favourite choice of food .
PUSHING the diver out of his way, this little sea turtle shows he’s not in the mood for photographs .
A striped marlin means business as it spots lunch and spears a small fish .
WITH LUSH GREEN LANDSCAPES stretching out as far as the eye can see, you're in for a treat at these one of a kind treehouses .
This starling and prairie dog will not back down an inch as they have a fearsome stand-off over who gets to eat a nut .
HUNDREDS of hot air balloons decorate the sky above Turkey as the rising sun illuminates the spectacular scenery below .
Raising his arms above his head and lying flat on his back, a polar bear stretches as he sprawls out across the ice .
ESCAPING A LANDFILL FUTURE, these amazing science fiction inspired sculptures are made from everyday objects .
A once bustling gold rush town in Mono County, California now stands completed deserted .
POPE MOBBED BY THOUSANDS OF WORSHIPPERS IN RIO - Thousands of worshippers gather to celebrate the Papal visit on Copacabana beach, Rio de Janeiro ,Brazil .