Remember that tourist
video of a lion pride and a crocodile playing a deadly game of
tug-of-war with a buffalo calf? Just when the lions seemed about to
triumph the buffalo herd came charging to the rescue. If you’re like
most people you cheered when the baby buffalo got up and staggered back
to its herd. For some reason, we humans rarely root for the predator.
But if we know what’s good for us, we better start.
A recent study in the journal
Science, "
Status and Ecological Effects of the World's Largest Carnivores,"
finds that life without top predators is a scary prospect for the
planet—and us. 31 carnivore species weighing over 15 kilograms were
analyzed. After reviewing over 100 different surveys the authors
conclude that losing predators from ecosystems causes those ecosystems
to unravel. The effects range from an increase in pest animals,
wildfires and diseases, loss of beneficial species, rivers changing
courses, desertification and speeding up of climate change, to name just
a few.
In
contrast, the environmental and economic benefits these ecosystem
engineers provide runs the gamut—from mountain lions who keep mule deer
in check allowing plants and trees to grow to sea otters who’s appetite
for sea urchins protects kelp beds and the productivity of coastal
areas. Even with all our technology we humans cannot duplicate the
ecological services these predators provide for FREE 24/7/365 days a
year.
Tragically, more than half of these 31 carnivore species are at risk
of extinction. A growing human population, loss of habitat, loss of
prey, climate change, trophy hunting and poaching are taking a toll on
these keystone predators. And all those threats can be traced back to
one source: humans.
But if we’re the ones causing the problem we can also be the ones to
solve it. We're an innovative species capable of some pretty incredible
feats. Recognizing the problem is the first step. Encouraging our
political leaders to do something about it is the next.
According
to the study authors, “Promoting tolerance and coexistence with large
carnivores is a crucial societal challenge that will ultimately
determine the fate of Earth’s largest carnivores and all that depends
upon them, including humans.”
Please stick up for our fearsome friends. It’s for our own good.
Photos by Beth Stewart.
Beth Stewart is an Associate Creative Director for Animal Planet. She
spends most of her spare time volunteering with animals, photographing
animals, advocating for animals and generally being wrapped around her
two cats’ little paws.
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