We all like to be at the top occasionally – in charge, first in line, the leader, the best, the strongest, the most successful. In other words, we like to be at the apex. In the animal world, including birds, that means being an apex predator.

Apex Predator Definition

(noun) A carnivorous or omnivorous animal at the top – apex – of its food chain, with no other animals in its natural ecosystem that regularly consider a healthy, mature individual as prey. Apex predators are essential to keep the environment in balance by controlling populations of smaller predators and prey animals. If apex predators are absent, these lesser populations can grow exponentially and overwhelm other aspects of the ecosystem.

Despite their powerful position, top predators are not without threats. Because they require large territories to meet their needs and their populations are smaller overall, they can be more sensitive to habitat loss or restrictions and take longer to recover from population crashes. They are generally more vulnerable to cumulative threats in the environment, such as the biological buildup of toxins through lead poisoning or pesticides. Artificial threats such as poaching, power lines, and wind turbines can also impact apex predators. Young offspring, including the eggs and chicks of avian apex predators, can also be vulnerable to smaller opportunistic predators, and apex predators may challenge one another and fight, causing injuries or death.

Among birds, many of the largest, most powerful raptors – owls, eagles, ospreys, etc. – are considered apex predators, though other top-level birds include the great skua, giant petrel, and goliath heron, each of which has no natural, regular predatory enemies in its native range.

Many other animals are also labeled as apex predators, including most wolves, large sharks, great cats, bears, orcas, large venomous or constricting snakes, and, of course, humans.

Pronunciation:

AY-pehx PREHD-uh-terr – Rhymes with latex creditor (not that I know any creditors who deal in the latex market, but oh well…)

Also Known As:

Alpha Predator, Super Predator, Top-Level Predator