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Living across Kenya and Tanzania, the Masaai have coexisted with Africa’s wildlife for centuries, particularly with lions, which are both revered and feared. But when a lion overstepped and attacked one of the Masaai warrior’s cows, the herder had to step in to let the cat know what was what.

Due to their proximity to lions, which often target their livestock, the Masaai have a interesting relationship with these predators.

Cattle represent livelihood and food for the Maasai and defending livestock from lion attacks is not just a duty, but also a way to ensure the safety of their communities.

The interaction between these two hunters is testament to the Maasai’s delicate balance between traditional beliefs and modern conservation. While hunting lions was originally considered a rite of passage, their traditions has evolved to allow them to cohabit peacefully with these predators.

The number of cattle a Maasai own signifies their wealth and status within the community, but recognising the importance of lions in the ecosystem, the Maasai have now also adopted conservation practices that teach new generations about the coexistence of cattle and lions.

After all this time the lions have even come to respect the Masaai, often avoiding them and their cattle. In turn, the Masaai work to preserve their natural habitats and respect the broader breeding grounds for lions.

But every now and again some rogue lion just can’t help it, and that’s when the Masaai fearlessly remind them of the mutual respect between the pride and tribe.

[source:animalsaroundtheglobe]