A gazelle suffering from tuberculosis is dying in the grasslands of Mauritania.

In the grasslands of Mauritania, a gazelle suffering from tuberculosis takes its last breath. Collapsing near a small pool, the animal’s corpse threatens to infect the water. But for the desert’s cleanup crew, this body isn’t a problem: it’s a feast. Weighing up to 10 kilograms and possessing a wingspan of nearly 3 meters, the lappet-faced vulture is the undisputed king of the carcass. This bird’s powerful beak and strong neck easily tear through tough hide and muscle tissue, opening entry points for weaker vultures to dig in.