the Maasai are highly dependent on livestock for social, cultural, nutritional, and economic needs. Lions outside protected areas thus represent a threat to Maasai livelihoods by preying on livestock where they come in contact. This is nothing new; lions and Maasai and their cattle have been living together for hundreds of years in eastern Africa, and Maasai have kept lion populations in check by traditionally hunting them. This hunting is undertaken by young Maasai men, the ilmurran, in a highly culturally important practice called the olamayio. The ilmurran actually have a more comprehensive task than hunting lions – they are the warriors generationally charged with protecting the community in general, dealing with cattle raiders (and doing a bit of the same), and attempting to ensure minimal consequences of drought. But as their duty as lion hunters, using only spears and shields, they are culturally rewarded for strength and bravery. The olamayio is illegal in Kenya and only tolerated in Tanzania after lions have killed livestock.
