Wild Prey and Livestock Predation by Native Carnivores: A Global Review

Abstract Background Conflict arising from livestock predation by wild carnivores represents a major conservation challenge, due to the retaliatory persecution carnivores face upon preying on domestic livestock. Evidence‐based information is crucial in designing strategies aimed at reducing domestic animal losses and, consequently, carnivores' persecution. Among the primary ecological factors driving livestock predation, the abundance of wild prey and livestock in the environment stands out. Aims In this study we aimed to assess, through a systematic literature review, the thresholds at which changes in livestock predation occur relative to the abundance of wild or domestic prey in the environment. Additionally, we sought to comprehend the current state of knowledge related to the diet of carnivores involved in predation conflicts. Main Results After reviewing 160 studies on carnivore diets, including 60 that estimated both wild and domestic prey biomass in the environment, in the context of livestock predation, we found that wild prey biomass is the primary predictor of livestock predation by wild carnivores, surpassing factors like livestock biomass, carnivore weight, and livestock protection measures. The frequency of livestock occurrence in carnivore diets is negatively related to wild prey biomass. Thus, below a threshold of 793 kg/km 2 livestock predation probability increases. Additionally, we found notable trends in research focused on larger carnivores such as Canis lupus and Panthera uncia , particularly in geographic areas like the Himalayas and the Apennine Mountains. Conclusions These findings support evidence‐based solutions to livestock predation conflict by maintaining, when possible, natural prey populations in the environment above the 793 kg/km 2 threshold that should reduce the magnitude of livestock predation, allowing us to drive management efforts to conserve wild carnivores and their wild prey in productive areas such as livestock systems.