Top predator loss causes major disruption

CORVALLIS, Ore., Oct. 2 (UPI) -- The global decline of apex predators, such as wolves, lions and sharks, has led to a destructive surge in smaller mesopredators, scientists in Oregon said.

The mesopredators are causing major economic and ecological disruption in oceans, forests, rivers and grasslands worldwide, scientists at Oregonian State University said in a release.

For example, lion and leopard populations decimated by humans spawned an increase in baboons, which terrorize people and raid valuable farm crops in Sub-Saharan Africa, William Ripple, a university professor of forest ecosystems said.

The decline of sharks from overfishing has led to an explosion in the populations of rays, which in turn causes the collapse of other fish populations, Ripple said. The elimination of wolves often leads to a surge in the number of coyotes that attack pronghorn antelope and domestic sheep, he said.

"These problems resist simple solutions," Ripple said. "We are just barely beginning to appreciate the impact of losing our top predators."