Human disturbance thresholds determine the ecological role of an apex predator.

ABSTRACT: The return of large carnivores to human-dominated landscapes complicates predator-prey dynamics. While predator and anthropogenic effects are well-documented in intact systems, their interplay in fragmented landscapes remains understudied. We examined whether apex predators still regulate prey and mesopredators in the large mammal community of the Golan Heights-a mosaic of nature reserves, farmland and military zones-where wolves (Canis lupus), golden jackals (Canis aureus) and wild boar (Sus scrofa) are culled to mitigate agricultural losses and human-wildlife conflict. Using 60 camera traps and high-resolution culling data, we quantified predator-prey and intraguild relationships, identifying land protection thresholds at which they shifted. We found that endangered mountain gazelles (Ga

SUBMITTER: Preiss-Bloom S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12569034 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature