mesopredators

Mesopredators, or mid-ranking predators, occupy an intermediate position in food webs between top predators and prey species. They typically prey on small vertebrates and invertebrates and, in turn, are prey for apex predators. Through predation, competition, and the disturbance of prey behavior, mesopredators can have substantial effects on community structure, energy flow, and biodiversity, especially in habitats that are fragmented or where apex predators are scarce.

Across ecosystems, mesopredators include a variety of mammals, birds, and other taxa. Common terrestrial examples are red foxes, gray foxes, coyotes, bobcats, raccoons, opossums, and several mustelids such as weasels. In some regions, feral cats, certain snakes, and some fish or seabirds can function as mesopredators. The specific assemblage of mesopredators varies with region, habitat, and human influence, from forests and grasslands to urban landscapes.

Ecological roles and dynamics: mesopredators help regulate populations of small prey, influence the behavior and distribution of other species, and can affect disease dynamics through their interactions with hosts. They are subject to top-down control by apex predators, but when apex predators decline, mesopredator populations can rise—a pattern known as mesopredator release. This can increase predation pressure on ground-nesting birds, small mammals, and insects, with cascading effects on vegetation and ecosystem processes.

Conservation and management: understanding mesopredators is important for ecosystem-based management. In some cases, reducing mesopredator numbers may protect particular prey species; in others, restoring or protecting apex predators can help regulate mesopredator populations and promote broader biodiversity. Human activity, habitat change, and disease further influence mesopredator dynamics, making them a continuing focus of ecological research.