A team of researchers in a recent study found that humans kill top carnivores at a rate far higher than top predators combined. The researchers have called humans ‘superpredators’.

The researchers in this new study examined over 2,000 predator-prey interactions in populations across the globe. They found that humans not only kill top carnivores at a far higher rate, but their hunting behaviors are also quite devastating to species living on land and sea as well.

As per the study researchers, this behavior of humans has caused a threat for many species to recover. In some cases, higher consumption levels of these species have even altered the course of their evolution.

Chris Darimont, a conservation scientist at the University of Victoria and lead author of the study, said in a statement that humanity is feeling the impacts of our predatory dominance.

The findings of the study presented in the journal Science revealed the extent of the damage caused by human hunting and fishing practices. The study findings also highlighted that there might be some hopes left for the recovery of the species that are consumed by humans at higher rate.

Boris Worm of Dalhousie University, said, “We have the unusual ability to analyze and consciously adjust our behavior to minimize deleterious consequences. This final point, I believe, will prove critical for our continued coexistence with viable wildlife population on land and in the sea”.

As per experts, population of world’s several large fish and land-based animals like lions, tigers and bears have been declining for years, and it is thought that humans have played a major role in their downfall.

It is said that hunting, climate change and human habitat encroachment are likely the major cause that led to the downfall in the population of several species across the world.