Without predators, herbivore populations grow beyond the carrying capacity of the habitat and starve to death- the problem with wild horses in the US. Without higher level predators, the lower level ones over-feed. They also feed on the weak members of the populations which suppresses disease and helps their gene pool. By existing they disrupt population movements and force those animals to feed in different areas which lets the land recover. That's protection on a macro scale.
Coyote protecting native small mammal and bird populations
This kinda energy
coyotes very much do not protect small mammals. but native small mammals can handle coyotes
deleted by creator
Without predators, herbivore populations grow beyond the carrying capacity of the habitat and starve to death- the problem with wild horses in the US. Without higher level predators, the lower level ones over-feed. They also feed on the weak members of the populations which suppresses disease and helps their gene pool. By existing they disrupt population movements and force those animals to feed in different areas which lets the land recover. That's protection on a macro scale.
Ancient cultures were right to worship apex predators as gods and give offerings to them