Top predators as biodiversity indicators: A meta-analysis

Identifying efficient biodiversity indicators is a key pillar of the global conservation strategy. Top predators have been proposed as reliable biodiversity signposts, but their role is controversial. Here, we verified their performance by a meta-analysis of published studies and found solid support for their efficacy as biodiversity indicators. As to be expected for any indicator species, efficacy was stronger for biodiversity components 'ecologically closer' to the predator (i.e. broad groups that include species providing key resources, such as avian and tree diversity for a bird-eating predator that nests in trees) and declined for the diversity of components more 'ecologically remote' from the predator (e.g. butterfly diversity for a fish-eating predator). This confirmed a link between the top predatory role and biodiversity and set the context for its functionality. These results show that, on average, top predators are justified candidates as biodiversity indicators and that prioritisation of conservation action based on their occurrence is likely to provide broader ecosystem benefits. However, such role should be confirmed on a case-by-case basis, acknowledging that no indicator can portray everything, checking the compatibility of the biodiversity components linked to the predator with the established conservation objectives and ideally integrating predators with other complementary indicator groups.