Groundbreaking Study: Humans evoke more fear in African Savanna wildlife than lions

A groundbreaking study led by Professor Liana Zanette of Western University and lion expert Craig Packer from the University of Minnesota has upended our understanding of fear dynamics in the African savanna. The research reveals that humans, known as "super predators," instill more fear in wildlife than lions. In South Africa's Greater Kruger National Park, animals were twice as likely to flee and 40% faster to abandon waterholes when exposed to human voices compared to lion sounds. Nearly 95% of surveyed species reacted more strongly to human noises than to lions, highlighting the significant impact of human presence on wildlife behaviour.