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)

Police officers block a road as lava rises following the eruption of a volcano on the Island of La Palma, in Tacande, Spain on September 22, 2021. (Photo by Borja Suarez/Reuters)

A model presents a creation by German designer Karl Lagerfeld as part of his Haute Couture Fall Winter 2015/2016 fashion show for French fashion house Chanel at the Grand Palais which is transformed into a casino in Paris, France, July 7, 2015. (Photo by Stephane Mahe/Reuters)

A reveller daubed in “Gulal” or coloured powder celebrates Holi, the Hindu spring festival of colours in Bhopal on March 6, 2023. (Photo by Gagan Nayar/AFP Photo)

A model presents makeup creations during dress reharsal by Maybelline New York at the Berlin Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2015 in Berlin January 19, 2015. (Photo by Fabrizio Bensch/Reuters)

A model presents a creation by German designer Karl Lagerfeld as part of his Haute Couture Spring Summer 2015 fashion show for French fashion house Chanel in Paris January 27, 2015. (Photo by Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters)

A woman holds piles of vegetables transported by motorcycle along a street in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on January 22, 2020. (Photo by Tang Chhin Sothy/AFP Photo)

Spectators using virtual reality glasses at the “Los Ultimos Dias De Pompeia” Exhibition at Matadero on September 06, 2023 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Borja B. Hojas/Getty Images)