Ecology: Megaherbivores Homogenize the Landscape of Fear

When herbivores avoid areas with high predation risk, the intensity of plant consumption and nutrient deposition is distributed unevenly across landscapes. Experimental work in African savanna ecosystems shows that the biggest herbivores, virtually immune to predators, smooth out these imbalances. When herbivores avoid areas with high predation risk, the intensity of plant consumption and nutrient deposition is distributed unevenly across landscapes. Experimental work in African savanna ecosystems shows that the biggest herbivores, virtually immune to predators, smooth out these imbalances.