Predation on Hominins

Early hominins lived among numerous and diverse predators, including carnivorans (mammals of the order Carnivora), raptors, crocodiles, and snakes. Baboon analogies, combined with the fossil record, indicate which predators were the most dangerous to hominins. Raptors were probably dangerous only to young hominins and might be repelled by adult aggression. Crocodiles were a danger to all and avoidance was the only defense. Predation by snakes may have been rare. Carnivorans, especially leopards and similar felids, were probably the greatest danger. They could ambush hominins in woodlands and from clumps of vegetation scattered across savannas. Baboon analogies show that hominins could have responded with avoidance through tactical movement and by association with species that intimidated predators or warned of their approach. When baboons flee from attack, they take refuge in trees or on cliff faces; early hominins, having retained some ancestral climbing ability, probably did the same. Baboons also threaten and fight carnivorans; hominins might also have done so, perhaps (as suggested by chimpanzee evidence) aided by simple weapons from a very early date. A key factor was and is the body mass of predators and prey. Danger from carnivorans is a primary factor causing baboons to sleep in trees or on cliff faces and early hominins probably did the same.