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Fear of large carnivores amplifies human-caused mortality for mesopredators

L. Prugh,C. Cunningham,Rebecca M. Windell,Brian N. Kertson,T. R. Ganz,Savanah L. Walker,Aaron J. Wirsing

Published 2023 in Science

ABSTRACT

The challenge that large carnivores face in coexisting with humans calls into question their ability to carry out critical ecosystem functions such as mesopredator suppression outside protected areas. In this study, we examined the movements and fates of mesopredators and large carnivores across rural landscapes characterized by substantial human influences. Mesopredators shifted their movements toward areas with twofold-greater human influence in regions occupied by large carnivores, indicating that they perceived humans to be less of a threat. However, rather than shielding mesopredators, human-caused mortality was more than three times higher than large carnivore–caused mortality. Mesopredator suppression by apex predators may thus be amplified, rather than dampened, outside protected areas, because fear of large carnivores drives mesopredators into areas of even greater risk from human super predators. Description Editor’s summary In intact ecosystems, large carnivores have a regulating influence on smaller predators (mesopredators), limiting both their populations and distribution. In areas where humans are present, these smaller carnivores use developed areas to avoid larger predators. However, Prugh et al. found that their impression of the safety of these areas is a mistake, because the mortality rates of these species were more than three times higher than in the presence of large carnivores (see the Perspective by Darimont and Shukla). Such errors could both threaten these smaller species and influence the trophic structure of ecosystems. —Sacha Vignieri Fear of wolves and cougars caused both coyotes and bobcats to increase their use of human-impacted areas, imposing greater risk of death.

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