The Turkana are traditionally nomadic pastoralists, but the pastures needed to feed their herds suffer from recurring droughts and many have turned to fishing. The trend began back in the 1960s, following a devastating drought, which wiped out entire herds. The government introduced communities to fishing in the mostly untouched Lake Turkana. But now the lake is overfished, and scarcity of food and pastureland is fueling a long-standing conflict with Ethiopian indigenous Dhaasanac, who have seen grazing grounds squeezed by large-scale government agricultural schemes in southern Ethiopia. The Dhaasanac now venture deeper into Kenyan territory in search of fish and grass, clashing with neighbors. “The Turkana and the Dhaasanac have been enemies for a long time. However, before they used to fight with spears and other rudimental weapons,” said Turkana leader Pius Chuchu.--Thea Breite

( 19 photos )

The winners have been named in the 2013 National Geographic Photography contest. As a leader in capturing our world through brilliant imagery, National Geographic sets the standard for photographic excellence. Professional photographers and amateur photo enthusiasts from over 150 countries submitted more than 7000 entries. Photographs were entered in three categories: people, places and nature. The competition was judged on creativity and photographic quality by a panel of experts comprising of National Geographic magazine Senior Photo Editor Susan Welchman; and documentary photographers Stephanie Sinclair and Ed Kashi. View the winning images and honorable mentions here. Grand Prize Winner, Paul Souders, will receive $10,000 and a trip to National Geographic headquarters in Washington, D.C., to participate in the annual National Geographic Photography Seminar in January 2014. -- National Geographic -- [Editors Note: The Big Picture will not publish during the week beginning December 23. We will return posting December 30.] (13 photos total)

It’s time to have a little New Year’s fun. No depressing (yet important) photos of serious events from the year. Just a collection of fun, silly, unusual, picturesque and unique photos of people from different parts of the world either getting ready to celebrate 2014 or already doing so. --Thea Breite (15 photos total)

Anti-government protests erupted this week in the Ukraine city of Kiev. Despite crisis talks including President Viktor Yanukovych, rioting still persists and has started to spread beyond the capital. --Leanne Burden Seidel (21 photos total)

Weeks of extraordinary wet weather has lead to disastrous flooding in Britain. The area has seen the most rain in almost 250 years. Homes and farms have been flooded for weeks in southwest England with worries of more rain to come. --Leanne Burden Seidel (28 photos total)

Thousands of angry anti-government protesters clashed with police in a new eruption of violence following new maneuvering by Russia and the European Union to gain influence over this former Soviet republic. At least 26 people have already been killed. --Thea Breite (15 photos total)

Protests continue more than three weeks after student-run demonstrations in Venezuela sparked deep tensions and violence. Anti and pro-government demonstrations are expanding across the divided country as they head into the holiday week marking the anniversary of former President Hugo Chavez's death. --Leanne Burden Seidel (32 photos total)

Dallas Seavey won the Iditarod Trail Dog Race in a dramatic finish today, rallying from third place. A storm knocked out the front-runner and Seavey finished in a record-breaking pace. The race was riddled with harsh conditions due to lack of snow leading to many injuries. Dogs and mushers brave about 1000 miles of challenging Alaskan terrain and we are lucky that a few photographers have given us a glimpse of this amazing long trek. --Leanne Burden Seidel (42 photos total)