A new meta-analysis finds that wild animals respond more strongly to humans who pose lethal threats than to non-lethal visitors. Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science analyzed three decades of studies on animal behavior around people. The findings indicate that responses vary based on the level of risk.
Animals become more vigilant and spend less time feeding when exposed to hunters and fishers, according to the research led by the Centre for Ecological Sciences at the Indian Institute of Science.
Lead author Shawn D'Souza said animals in areas with lethal humans tend to stay alert and forage less. In contrast, reactions to tourists and researchers are weaker and more variable.
The study, published in Ecology Letters in 2025, also noted that roads and settlements sometimes reduce vigilance in prey species because predators avoid those areas. Co-author Kartik Shanker suggested limited culling could help manage wildlife conflicts in some cases.
The work supports the risk allocation hypothesis and calls for more research on species traits and landscape factors.
