The Sum of Intraguild Predators’ Fears Drives the Survival of Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) Eggs

Top predators are thought to stabilize food webs by protecting basal resources, yet the behavioral mechanisms remain unclear. We combined long-term field observations with experiments to examine interactions among predators of sea turtle eggs (Chelonia mydas): a top predator (Elaphe carinata) and two intermediate predators (Rattus norvegicus and Oligodon formosanus). Despite all readily consuming eggs, survival remained high. Results show that fear of intraguild predation, cannibalism, habitat structure, and territorial behavior interact to limit exploitation. These findings highlight how behaviorally mediated interactions, particularly fear effects, can stabilize trophic systems and enhance persistence of vulnerable prey in complex natural ecosystems.