Fear of the human “super predator” pervades the South African savanna
Research in South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park reveals wildlife fear humans more than lions. Using camera-speaker systems, researchers found that 19 species, including large herbivores and carnivores, fled human sounds at twice the rate and abandoned waterholes 40% faster compared to lion sounds. Ninety-five percent of species showed greater fear of humans, reinforcing the idea of humans as a “super predator” due to advanced hunting technologies. This pervasive fear has ecological consequences, impacting animal behavior and conservation, but could also offer new conservation strategies. However, it poses challenges for tourism-based conservation if wildlife increasingly perceives humans as a threat. The study emphasizes a need for conservation approaches that respect ecosystems.
