African Predators
Ultimately the elimination of entire populations of prey animals would have a negative consequence for predators (starvation) as they rely on the ability of prey populations to replenish themselves to ensure future food supplies. In a natural, balanced ecosystem, predator species are outnumbered by prey species and play an important role in moderating community structure. Weak, ill or young prey animals are often targeted by predators and the removal of these individuals can strengthen the prey population overall. Darwinian evolution indicates that “survival of the fittest” means that only animals that are strong enough to escape or avoid predation will survive to pass on their genes. Therefore, over time, the prey population will be comprised of stronger and stronger individuals. Likewise, selection will favour predators that have the strength and ability to capture enough prey to keep themselves along, long enough to pass on their own genes. Therefore, the predator population will develop in strength, and the “race” between predator and prey adaptation continues. The implications if predators are removed from an ecosystem include prey populations becoming very large and other carnivores that rely on scavenging (eating carrion) would suffer as there would be fewer carcasses left to eat (they would have to wait for animals to die naturally). Weak or genetically compromised individuals may survive to reproduce – this could reduce the genetic strength of the population. Larger prey populations would lead to overgrazing or over-use of the resource that the prey population relies on for sustenance. Some prey populations may be reduced or wiped out if a single prey population became dominant and out-competed others. Some other predators may lose their prey population if they are specialist hunters and their prey is outcompeted by another prey population that this predator cannot consume. Disease may spread more easily and quickly as the prey population grows in size and density. Only environmental factors would regulate the prey population growth (drought, flood, disease, etc.). All of this could lead to environmental degradation, which would mean the prey population would eventually lose its resource and die out or move away. The African predators course explores the biology, ecology and conservation of African predators.