21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Lion Fight

Lion prides typically have a coalition of male lions, often brothers or cousins, who share responsibility for defending the pride from takeover by other males. Despite the close bonds between coalition males, squabbles can break out, and are settled by fights that are typically more bluster than actual harm. In this case, one lion immediately adopted a submissive stance by rolling on his back, but that did not stop him from taking a shot at his coalition partner with one paw. Habitat loss and poaching continue to threaten these incredible cats, which are now classified as a vulnerable species. This photograph was taken in September of 2023 in Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Zimbabwe
Camera: Canon EOS R3
Copyright: © Nathan Myhrvold