It’s hard to imagine that the iconic African lion is disappearing, yet it’s true. The species is listed as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List, which estimates that 30% of them have vanished over the past twenty years. Driven from their habitat and facing dwindling prey, lions are persecuted: shot by farmers, poisoned, hunted, and poached. They also fall victim to wars and diseases like anthrax. Their population is estimated to be between 23,000 and 32,000 across Africa, now largely confined to protected parks and reserves.

I met Dr. Alayne Cotteril in 2011. As part of the Kenyan organization Living with Lions, she and her team of scientists and Maasai warriors are engaged in a crucial battle to help lions survive outside protected areas.

While the scientists study the behavior and ecology of lion populations near human communities, the Maasai—traditionally enemies of these big cats—become their Guardians. They monitor predators on their lands, help their communities reduce conflicts with lions, and promote tolerance by highlighting the benefits of lion conservation.