A new study from the University of Georgia reveals that African mammals, including lions and zebras, change their daily routines when humans are nearby. This shift impacts the entire ecosystem, as carnivores react to human activity, and herbivores adjust to changes in predator behavior.
The research, conducted at the Ongava Research Centre in Namibia, focused on waterholes, essential gathering points for many species. Camera traps recorded animal activity before, during, and after tourist presence.
Activity Shifts: Animals alter their waterhole visit times when humans are present.
Carnivore Behavior: Predators like lions and hyenas visit waterholes more frequently during the day when humans are present, deviating from their usual nocturnal habits.
Herbivore Response: Herbivores, such as zebras and springboks, adjust their schedules to avoid predators, sometimes visiting waterholes at night.
These changes can disrupt predator-prey dynamics and increase stress levels for some animals. While wildlife tourism provides crucial funding for conservation, understanding its impact on animal behavior is essential for balancing tourism with the needs of wildlife.
Lead author Jessy Patterson emphasizes the need to understand and minimize human impact on animals to ensure that both wildlife and eco-tourism can thrive.