Which predators rely on grass-eating prey?

Grass-eating prey (graminivores) are a foundational part of the food web in many ecosystems, such as savannas, prairies, and grasslands. They convert the energy stored in grass into a food source for a wide variety of predators.

Predators that rely on grass-eaters can be categorized by the size of their prey:

Predators of Large Mammalian Grazers

These are often "apex predators" that hunt large grazers like wildebeest, zebras, bison, and cattle.

• Lions: Specialize in hunting large herd animals on the African savanna.
• Hyenas: Often hunt in packs to take down wildebeest and zebras.
• Wolves: Work in packs to hunt bison, elk, and sheep.
• Wild Dogs (Lycaon): Pursue medium-sized grazers like impala and springbok.
• Cheetahs: Rely on speed to catch faster, smaller grazers like gazelles.

Predators of Small Mammalian Grazers

This group hunts smaller grass-eaters like rabbits, capybaras, and other rodents.

• Foxes: A primary predator of rabbits.
• Coyotes: Hunt rabbits, prairie dogs, and other small mammals.
• Bobcats and Lynxes: Specialize in hunting rabbits and hares.
• Jaguars and Anacondas: Major predators of capybaras in South America.
• Eagles and Large Hawks: Prey on rabbits and large rodents from the air.

Predators of Avian and Insect Grazers

This includes predators that eat grass-eating birds and insects.

• Birds of Prey (Hawks, Falcons): Hunt geese, ducks, and other birds.
• Foxes and Raccoons: Often prey on ground-nesting birds like geese and their eggs.
• Spiders, Wasps, and Birds (e.g., Robins, Starlings): A vast array of animals that consume grasshoppers, grubs, and other grass-eating insects.