Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Circle of Life

In this raw and captivating habitat shot, the stark reality of the desert's unforgiving nature is exposed as a desert cat stands proudly beside its recent kill, a chinkara fawn. Blood stains its fur, and the cat's tongue, visible as it licks the blood, adds a chilling touch to the scene. The lifeless form of the fawn, its head caught between branches with two legs touching the ground, serves as a poignant reminder of the circle of life in the harsh desert ecosystem. This image, while evoking a sense of awe for the resilience and survival instincts of desert wildlife, also highlights the delicate balance between predator and prey in the arid wilderness.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 02.2024
Date Uploaded: 11.2024
Photo Location: Jaisalmer, India
Camera: NIKON D850
Copyright: © Kishore Das