The Duke of Cambridge presents Tusk Conservation Awards

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The Duke of Cambridge, Royal Patron of Tusk, attended the Tusk Conservation Awards at Claridge's, London last night to celebrate conservation heroes

Launched in 2013, the Tusk Conservation Awards aim to highlight inspiring conservation work currently being undertaken to a global audience, by recognising the achievements of individuals who are helping to protect Africa’s natural heritage. 

This year's ceremony saw the new Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award officially presented by The Duke for the first time. Created to recognise the dedication and bravery of rangers working to protect Africa’s increasingly endangered wildlife, the winner, Edward Ndiritu, was announced on World Ranger Day earlier this year.  

Ndiritu, a ranger who leads the Anti-Poaching Units for the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and the Northern Rangelands Trust in northern Kenya, was selected for his outstanding commitment to helping combat the escalating threat from poachers, and for heading a security operation which covers more than two million acres. 

His Royal Highness also presented the Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa, a lifetime achievement award to commend outstanding dedication and contribution to conservation, and the Tusk Award for Conservation, which recognises  a new leader in conservation who has already made a significant impact in Africa. 

The 2015 finalists for the Tusk Award for Conservation include Mr Cosmas Mumba, Dr Emmanuel de Merode, and Dr Mary Molokwu.