Fear not: avoidance behavior missing in species sympatric with the critically endangered West African lion

Abstract

Predators are major regulators in communities through trophic and non-trophic pathways. However, as human pressures continue to threaten apex predators, including Africas iconic lion, predators functional role in their ecosystems may be compromised. Where lions are critically endangered, we found no evidence of avoidance behavior in either competitor or prey species from a camera survey in the largest protected area complex in West Africa. Our findings raise concerns that lions have already become functionally extinct in portions of their West African range, highlighting the urgency of restorative efforts and environmental investments to reverse current declining population trends and the loss of regulatory roles.