A dramatic rise in owning exotic pets in China is fuelling global demand for threatened species. The growing trade in alligators, snakes, monkeys, crocodiles and spiders is directly linked to species loss in some of the world’s most threatened ecosystems. Here: A fennec fox (Vulpes zerda) is groomed in a pet store in central Beijing. Native to the Sahara in North Africa, the species became a popular pet after being depicted as a character in Disney’s 2016 animated movie Zootopia. Individuals can cost between $2,000–$3,000. (Photo by Sean Gallagher/The Guardian)

Shaymaa Ismaa’eel, a 24-year-old Muslim woman passes by a group of angry protesters at an Islamic conference in Washington, DC on April 21, 2019. In response, she crouched in front of them and flashed a peace sign. The photo, posted on Instagram, prompted an outpouring of support. (Photo by Shaymaa Ismaa'eel/Instagram)

A man wears a gas mask as he holds a bouquet of flowers, following the outbreak of the novel coronavirus on Valentine’s Day in Hong Kong, China on February 14, 2020. (Photo by Tyrone Siu/Reuters)

Afghan tea seller Farooq Shah, center, fills kettles with tea for customers at a market place in Kabul, Afghanistan, Wednesday, December 4, 2019. (Photo by Altaf Qadri/AP Photo)

A farmer carries a bundle of wheat after harvesting it from a field in the Gharbia Governorate, as Egypt ramps up efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Egypt on May 14, 2020. (Photo by Mohamed Abd El Ghany/Reuters)

Protesters clash with police at Speakers Corner as thousands attend Unite For Freedom Against COVID-19 passports and vaccines in London, UK on April 24, 2021. People called online to a flash mob-style mass gathering against vaccine passport, face masks and lockdown. The government aims to provide official proof of vaccination for millions of British holidaymakers this summer starting as early as 17 May. (Photo by World Entertainment News Network)

American singer Tinashe arrives at the 2022 American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater, in Los Angeles, California, U.S., November 20, 2022. (Photo by Aude Guerrucci/Reuters)

A man set wood on fire to prepare for worshippers to walk barefoot over burning coals during the Nine Emperor Gods festival at a temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Monday, October 7, 2024. (Photo by Vincent Thian/AP Photo)