This is a meta-analysis that evaluated how anthropogenic disturbances affect different ranges of tropical mammal functional diversity. Our results indicate a negative effect of anthropogenic disturbances on mammalian functional diversity, habitat isolation was the stressor with the strongest effect.

Changes in the populations of higher-ranking predators (apex predators) affect lower-ranking predators (mesopredators). The mesopredator release hypothesis predicts that a decrease in apex predator abundance or distribution leads to a ‘release’ of mesopredators from suppression, which may lead to changes in behaviour, abundance or distribution of mesopredators. We extended this prediction by including inverse mesopredator responses to an increase in apex predator distribution or abundance. For 47 studies on European predators, we determined whether the results provided supporting evidence, mixed evidence, no evidence or contrasting evidence for this extended mesopredator release hypothesis. The graphical abstract shown here summarises A) the results of all studies for each of 38 apex predator – mesopredator pairings and B) the number of pairings for which the majority of studies did or did not find supporting evidence across different classes of apex predator – mesopredator body weight difference and foraging strategy combination.

Through a global comprehensive literature review, we evaluated the quality and quantity of available evidence regarding the role of wild cats as ecosystem drivers, triggering trophic cascades by directly and indirectly shaping food webs. By influencing prey and subordinate carnivores, they are reported to contribute to essential ecological processes, such as mesopredator control, functional diversity maintenance, carbon storage, and nutrient cycling. However, in human-modified environments, their ecological function may be compromised. Emphasising the identified gaps in knowledge, the review advocates for further experimental studies. Recognising the ecological arguments of felid roles within ecosystems, this review underscores the importance of such insights in supporting other claims for conservation actions, ultimately safeguarding these emblematic species and the ecosystems they inhabit.

Bar graph categorised into the animal groups, with each icon representing a species that was recorded interacting with beaver lodges from the final dataset of articles (n = 35).

Cheetahs as flagship species for drylands can unlock important potential for biodiversity conservation outside national parks.

The conservation status, population trends, threats and research needed for New World Marsupials.