Fear of Feral Predators Alters Nutritional Responses in Desert Lizards

Human‐induced changes in predator densities affect various aspects of prey biology, yet their consequences for prey nutrition are rarely quantified. We investigated how feral dogs shape the nutritional ecology of the desert lizard Saara hardwickii . In parts of the Thar desert, extremely high feral dog densities create hotspots of elevated predation risk for S. hardwickii . We combined focal observations of foraging behavior, stress physiology, and stoichiometry of diet and feces to assess nutritional responses of lizards to human‐mediated increase in predation risk. We found no difference in corticosterone levels, but lizards consumed less food and had lower glucose levels in high‐risk areas. Despite reduced carbon and nitrogen consumption, elemental composition of diet remained unchanged across habitats. However, fecal carbon and nitrogen percentages reduced under risk, indicating higher overall nutrient retention. We show that predation risk suppresses dietary intakes while enhancing nutrient conservation, revealing a key mechanism by which introduced feral predators can shape prey behavior, physiology, and nutrient flow in critical ecosystems.