Modern Australian
The Times Real Estate

.

As humans change the world, predators seize the chance to succeed

  • Written by Bill Bateman, Senior Lecturer, Curtin University

If you have ever been to a nature reserve in Africa, you may have been lucky enough to see predators on a kill – maybe something spectacular like lions on a giraffe. The chances are you got to see that because the predators killed the prey right on the road, where you could get up close in your car or safari vehicle.

As humans change the world, predators seize the chance to succeed Lions gathered on a road in a South African National Park. Bill Bateman

But what if this was not just luck? What if lions had greater hunting success along a road because their prey slip on the tarmac, stumble and fall, thus becoming a meal? The road – a human intrusion in a natural world – could be increasing the predators’ hunting success.

Road kill.

This intriguing idea led us to wonder if there were other examples in which human structures or environments might benefit predators – a group of animals that would otherwise appear to want as little to do with humans and their world as possible.

Read more: You scratch my back... the beneficial (and not so beneficial) relationships between organisms

Ecosystems are dynamic, which means that new ones can arise when species occur in combinations and numbers that have not happened before. While we often (rightly) have a very negative view of our impact on the natural world, sometimes organisms can surprise us by taking advantage of what we do and creating a successful space for themselves in a human world.

Once we started looking, we found other examples of predators exploiting these niches. We found four ways, with much overlap, that predators take advantage of human habitats to improve their hunting success.

As humans change the world, predators seize the chance to succeed A world of opportunities.

First, certain animal species follow human settlements and can provide a completely new food source for predators. Rodents (rats and mice) and invasive birds (such as sparrows or starlings) exploit resources around towns. Pets and livestock are also commonly taken by predators such as bears, wolves, foxes and dingoes.

As humans change the world, predators seize the chance to succeed Lions have learned to use cowbells to locate livestock, and may have increased hunting success using gravel and tarmac roads to chase prey. Trish Fleming

Second, potential prey species often gather around artificial resources, reducing commute times for predators and increasing their hunting success. For example, European kestrels ambush populations of bats and swifts as they leave their roosts in building ventilation. Two species of sea lion have learned to travel 100km up the Columbia River in the United States to hunt masses of migrating salmon that gather at fish ladders (structures that help fish go over or around dams or other barriers when migrating upriver to spawn) over the Bonneville Dam. Brown bears, meanwhile, hunt at fish weirs, trapping congregations of fish against these to prevent their escape.

Third, structures we build or things we do can make prey species more vulnerable. African wild dogs take down larger prey when they chase them into fences, and dingoes exploit roadkill along major highways. Horse-eye jack fish ambush prey around dock pilings that interrupt the synchronised escape behaviour of the fish schools. Peregrine falcons in New York city hunt at night as they have more success catching pigeons that are bedazzled by skyscraper lights. Lions have learned to use cowbells to locate livestock. Here in Australia wedge-tailed eagles follow harvesters on farms to catch animals flushed out by the machinery.

Finally, some predators also use resources that we provide as tools to aid their hunting. Some birds use human refuse to lure fish to their doom and many raptors use lampposts and aerials as perches, increasing their hunting success. Larger species such as cheetah and leopards similarly exploit our presence to hunt more successfully.

As humans change the world, predators seize the chance to succeed Osprey on aerial.

Only a few studies have tried to quantify the benefits of human environments for predators, identifying how they experience increased hunting success, reduced energy expenditure, or increased reproductive output. Such benefits can ultimately lead to increased population sizes, as has happened with the New York kestrel population and Chicago’s coyotes.

We predict that some predators are likely to become more abundant in our lives, which could have both positive and negative implications. For example, they are important biocontrol agents and do a great job of suppressing rodent populations. However, interactions with large predators can be dangerous for humans.

Letting humans do the hard work.

Predators can be vital for maintaining a balanced ecosystem. However, predator species can have a huge effect on their environment, even when there are only a few of them about. Predator species can easily become invasive animals, as we have seen with the introduction of cats into Australia or brown tree snakes onto the island of Guam.

Read more: The Hunt: a natural history series that challenges us to side with the predators

These predators have had devastating consequences for whole ecosystems, and our actions may be unwittingly increasing their advantages over prey species, as has been made evident by ravens using human-built perches to predate heavily on desert tortoises. Similarly, animals using road underpasses are more vulnerable to introduced red foxes as the foxes - clever animals - soon learn to wait at the underpass exit for a meal delivery.

Our presence and the way we alter our environment can therefore thwart conservation of threatened species, despite our best attempts. We need to carefully consider how we influence our environment, and be on the lookout for instances where predators are making use of novel niches to exploit prey species. Even the smallest changes we make can affect a whole landscape, and can make prey animals more vulnerable.

Authors: Bill Bateman, Senior Lecturer, Curtin University

Read more http://theconversation.com/as-humans-change-the-world-predators-seize-the-chance-to-succeed-93645

The Best Nail Art for Short Nails

Short nails often get overlooked in the world of nail art, but they’re actually the perfect canvas for stylish, sophisticated designs. Whether you...

How Much Does a Skip Bin Cost? Skip Bin Prices, Sizes & What Influences the Price

Regardless of whether you're renovating a house. You are tidying up your backyard, or running a construction site. Chances are you'll require a skip...

Panoramic Elevators: Combining Functionality with Aesthetic Appeal

In the evolving world of building design, the demand for architectural features that are both practical and visually striking continues to rise. One...

No Dig, No Drama: Sydney Pipe Relining Explained

You know that feeling when water starts pooling where it shouldn't? Or received a quote for pipe repairs that made your eyes water? Let's chat about...

The SEO Benefits of AI-Optimized Landing Pages: Smarter Metadata, Faster Load Times

Landing pages are integral to the conversion funnel in digital marketing. Yet, when SEO works well to drive traffic to the landing page, it's just a...

How to Reduce Turbo Lag with an Upgraded Mazda BT-50 Exhaust System

Are you struggling with turbo lag affecting your driving experience?  Did you know upgrading your Mazda BT-50 exhaust system could be the key to u...

How to Segment Email Lists Based on Content Engagement (Not Just Demographics)

Email segmentation generally refers to age, location, gender demographic, and conventional elements. While this could be helpful information, it doe...

6 Qualities to Look for in Local Caravan Dealers

If you're searching for reliable caravan dealers in Campbellfield, it's essential to choose a dealer that offers quality products, excellent custome...

How to Repair a Faema Coffee Machine: A Practical Guide for Coffee Lovers

Introduction If you’re the proud owner of a Faema coffee machine, you already know that it’s more than just a kitchen appliance — it’s a vi...

Smart Health Decisions in Your 30s, 40s, and 50s: The Ultimate Prevention Guide

Making informed health decisions becomes increasingly important as we navigate through different life stages. What may have seemed unimportant in our ...

Sydney’s Electricians Helping Cut Business Costs

Running a business in Sydney isn’t cheap. Between rent, wages, equipment, insurance, and endless operational costs, it’s no wonder business owne...

Can Air Conditioning Help with Allergies and Asthma?

Living with allergies or asthma can make everyday environments feel challenging—especially during certain seasons or in homes where dust, pollen, ...

A Fast Charging Power Bank and Wireless Power Bank: The Future of Power Bank Technology

As the use of mobile devices grows, so does the demand for better, more efficient, faster, and more imaginative methods to power them. Previously re...

How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Power Bank: An Overview

Power banks are vital for ensuring your devices are powered while on the go, especially when on the move, outdoors, or during emergencies. They prov...

What is a Power Bank and How To Choose One

In a world filled with gadgets running out of battery is a real issue. This is where power banks can come in useful. They're portable, they hold pow...

Portable Chargers: How They Work & Essential Tips to Extend Battery Life

Portable chargers (also known as power banks) are essential accessories that keep your devices powered up while on the go — be it outdoor activiti...

How Artificial Tulip Displays Enhance Your Home’s Aesthetic

Artificial tulip displays have grown to be a common option for improving interior decor because of their exquisite look and long-lasting quality. Th...

The Psychology of Relationships: How Therapy Can Strengthen Bonds

Relationships require effort, understanding and communication. Couples and individuals can have better relationships with the assistance of therap...