Humans are indeed predators, and more specifically, they are considered unique super-predators or apex predators. Unlike many other predators, humans exploit a much broader range of species and target adult prey at much higher rates than other animals. Humans use advanced tools and technology which allow them to effectively hunt and exploit prey at minimal cost and maximum gain. Furthermore, humans impact biodiversity not only by killing animals for food but also for uses such as the pet trade, medicine, and trophy hunting, affecting thousands of species globally. This extensive and diverse predation makes humans the most extraordinary and influential predator on the planet, with ecological impacts far surpassing those of other predators like big cats, sharks, or birds of prey.

Humans as Apex/Super-Predators

• Humans are apex predators, occupying the top of the food chain without natural predators of their own.
• They kill and capture prey species on a scale unmatched by any other predator, targeting adult fishes at rates 14 times greater than marine animals themselves and top carnivores on land at nine times their self-predation rate.

Ecological Impact

• Humans exploit about one-third of all vertebrate species on Earth, a number estimated around 15,000 species, which is five to 300 times more species than other wide-ranging predators.
• Humans influence ecosystems not only through food consumption but through varied activities like pet trade, medicine, and trophy hunting, sometimes driving species toward endangerment or extinction due to overexploitation.

Predatory Behavior Compared to Other Animals

• Humans differ from other predators by focusing heavily on adult prey and exploiting prey for reasons other than feeding themselves.
• Whereas other predators often hunt juveniles, humans focus on adults, leveraging intelligence, technology, and culture to dominate prey species.

In summary, humans are indisputably predators, and because of their unparalleled range, methods, and impacts, they are classified as unique super- predators or apex predators with significant ecological consequences worldwide.