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22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Jackal eland reflection

This photo was taken next to the Rooiputs water hole in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. A group of lions killed an eland a month or two ago and only the some skin, tendons and the bare bones were left. It was hard for the jackals to get any more meat from it because of the dryness of the skin and remaining tendons. However, after some good rain in the semi-arid park and the skeleton lying in a pool of water, the water soften the remaining meat, skin and tendons. And the jackals make use of the opportunity to get a last piece of it. As evident in this photo.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 01.2024
Date Uploaded: 11.2024
Photo Location: South Africa
Camera: ILCE-1
Copyright: © Willem Kruger