Interspecific killing among mammalian carnivores

Interspecific killing among mammalian carnivores is common in nature and ac counts for up to 68% of known mortalities in some species. Interactions may be symmetrical (both species kill each other) or asymmetrical (one species kills the other), and in some interactions adults of one species kill youn g but not adults of the other. There is a positive significant relationship between the body masses of solitary killer species and body masses of thei r victim species, and grouping species kill larger victims than solitary sp ecies. Interactions and consumption of the victim appear more common when f ood is scarce or disputed. In response to killers, victim species may alter their use of space, activity patterns, and form groups. Consequences of in terspecific killing include population reduction or even extinction, and re duction and enhancement of prey populations, and may therefore have importa nt implications for conservation and management of carnivores and their pre y.