Extermination of wild animal natural prey

Nature

Human activities may directly or indirectly result in the elimination or extermination of the natural prey of a carnivorous wild animal, thus depriving it of its normal diet.

Background

A predator-prey system exists as an assemblage of predators and prey species; their ecological interactions and conditions permit their long-term coexistence.

Incidence

A 2022 global review found that populations of wild prey species for large carnivores have declined by over 50% in the past 50 years, with the most severe losses in Asia and Africa. Habitat loss, overhunting, and competition with livestock have led to local extinctions of key prey animals, threatening the survival of predators such as tigers, lions, and leopards.
In India’s Sariska Tiger Reserve, the extermination of sambar and chital deer between 2002 and 2004, primarily due to poaching and habitat encroachment, resulted in the disappearance of tigers from the reserve by 2005.

Claim

The extermination of wild animal natural prey is a critical issue that threatens biodiversity and disrupts ecosystems. By decimating prey populations, we jeopardize the survival of predators, leading to imbalanced food chains and ecological collapse. This reckless practice not only endangers species but also undermines the health of our environment. We must urgently address this problem to preserve wildlife, maintain ecological integrity, and ensure a sustainable future for all living beings on our planet.

Counter-claim

The notion that the extermination of wild animal natural prey is a significant problem is exaggerated. Nature is resilient, and ecosystems adapt over time. Predators will find alternative food sources, and populations will balance themselves. Focusing on this issue diverts attention from more pressing environmental concerns, such as habitat destruction and climate change. Instead of worrying about prey extermination, we should prioritize sustainable practices that protect entire ecosystems and promote biodiversity.