Large carnivore impacts are context-dependent

摘要: Abstract Interactions between large carnivores and other species may be responsible for impacts that are disproportionately relative to their density. Context-dependent interactions common but often poorly described. Caution must expressed in seeing apex predators as ecological saviours because ecosystem services not universally apply, particularly if inhibited by anthropogenic activity. This review examines how the of affected four major contexts (species assemblage, environmental productivity, landscape, predation risk) potential human interference affect these contexts. Humans most dominant landscape resource user on planet our management intervention affects composition, availability, demography, behaviour interspecific trophic dynamics. can impact much same way mesopredators prey — through density-mediated (consumptive) trait/behaviourally-mediated (non-consumptive) pathways. Mesopredator herbivore suppression or release, intraguild competition pressure all context. The aim restoring ‘natural’ systems is somewhat problematic always pragmatic. Interspecific influenced context, humans driver forming If conservation goals achieved then it pivotal understand influence Trade-offs interventions only implemented successfully intricacies food webs properly understood.