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