One of the world’s most legendary predators has been usurped as a threat to humanity by a very recent obsession of the human race - in 2015 selfies have been more lethal than sharks. 

A Japanese tourist died recently at the Taj Mahal, after falling down the stairs while taking a selfie. This death brought the global number of selfie linked deaths to 12, meaning it outstrips the corresponding figure for shark attack deaths by 50% - with only eight having died by way of shark attack this year.

While there is no hard evidence for why more people are dying while taking selfies, there have been suggestions that the rise of the selfie has lead people to take further risks to get the optimal shot. There have been documented cases of people attempting to get pictures with bears, running bulls, moving trains and while perilously close to live wires.

Russia has launched a campaign to encourage more responsible selfie behaviour. In May a Russian woman narrowly avoided death when she shot herself in the head while posing for a selfie with a gun.

A leaflet from the interior ministry released in June told Russian people that: “A cool selfie could cost you your life.”

The Russian safe selfie guide included the below illustrations to advise on proper selfie etiquette