The number of African lions has plunged from 200,000 a century ago to about 25,000

As a young herder in rural Kenya, Jeneria Lekilelei viewed lions as his enemy. His Samburu tribe, dependent on livestock for meat, milk and income, showed no mercy in defending their animals or exacting revenge on the predators who killed them.

As the number of lions in Kenya has fallen dramatically, however, many killed in retaliatory attacks, Mr Lekilelei, 31, has emerged as one of their biggest champions.

A decade after starting Warrior Watch, a campaign to build tolerance towards lions in his semi-nomadic community, Mr Lekilelei’s efforts have finally been rewarded. The past 12 months represent the first year in which no lions were killed in revenge attacks.

Jeneria Lekilelei used to hunt lions out of revenge but now views things from their perspective. He was recognised for his work by the Duke of Cambridge – @TOBY MELVILLE/PA