In Africa, mammals are more afraid of humans than predators – study
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Lions have quick reflexes, a lot of muscles and sharp vision. In addition, they have intelligence that allows them to hunt in packs. Most animals would not want to be associated with them.
However, a new study with thousands of records of wild animals indicates that there is an even more terrifying species – man, writes Science Alert.
Biologist Michael Clinchey of Western University in Canada says that lions are the largest predators that hunt in groups, so they should be the most feared.
At the same time, out of 10,000 recordings of wild animals in the African savanna, 95% reacted with horror to the sound of a person, who technically is not even a top predator.
“There is an opinion that animals will get used to people if they are not hunted. But we have shown that this is not the case” – says Clinchy.
In an experiment, ecologist Liana Zanet and her colleagues recreated a series of vocalizations and sounds for animals in Kruger National Park, South Africa. Their reaction was recorded.
The largest population of lions (Panthera leo) lives in this area, so other mammals knew about the danger from them.
In the experiment, the sounds of human conversations in different languages, the sounds of hunting with the barking of dogs, the roar of lions while communicating with each other were broadcast.
Almost all 19 mammal species were twice as likely to leave watering holes when they heard human conversation as opposed to the sound of lions or even hunting. These animals include rhinos, elephants, hyenas, leopards, giraffes, etc.
“It was human voices that elicited the greatest fear, suggesting that wild animals recognize humans as a real threat, while accompanying disturbances such as barking dogs are only smaller proxy indicators.” – write the authors of the study.
Scientists say that because of the spread of man, mammals will continue to feel their fears. And this is not good for the populations of many species – for example, giraffes, which are becoming fewer.
However, this knowledge can help. By recreating human conversations in areas of South Africa with widespread poaching, they want to save the southern white rhino.
“I think the fear that has gripped the entire savannah mammal community is a true testament to the human impact on the environment,” – adds Zanette.
According to her, this fear is not only due to habitat loss, extinction or climate change, but also due to the presence of a person, which is considered a signal of danger.
The full results of the study were published in the journal Current Biology.
Earlier we told that scientists want to revive the extinct woolly mammoth.
Read also: Scientists discovered the ability of jellyfish to learn – research
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