There is a world somewhere between reality and fiction. Although ignored by many, it is very real and so are those living in it. This forum is about the natural world. Here, wild animals will be heard and respected. The forum offers a glimpse into an unknown world as well as a room with a view on the present and the future. Anyone able to speak on behalf of those living in the emerald forest and the deep blue sea is invited to join.
Interesting question, that which is top predator. One essential thing when making question like this would be, that in what way we define "top predator"? If we think about efficiency in hunting, then all felines are pretty much out of this contest . Of course if we think, that what predators are able to kill alone biggest possible prey animal, situation is another. Or should it be, which animal hunts regularly biggest prey animal compared to own size....
This is a bit difficult topic, because one could say, that big cats and bears aren´t top predators at all when considering it, how many times prey animal is able to flee. Apex predator definition doesn´t mean automatically, that animal would be most efficient predator on area :) So I think, that before giving suggestions it would be better to know more specifically, that how in this thread should we define "top predator" :)
If the success rate is definition here, then the African wild dog beats others clearly :) But of course that is only one definition. I find question in this topic too "open", so many possibilities how to define top predator. Big cat´s are in some definitions on top, in some other they are not even close to be on top.