More Than Just Pests: 7 Surprising Ways Rodents Actually Shape Ecosystems

Prey Base for Predators

Rodents form a significant part of the diet for many predators, including birds of prey, snakes, and carnivorous mammals. By serving as a primary food source, rodents help sustain predator populations, maintaining the balance within food webs. The abundance and availability of rodents can directly influence predator numbers, which in turn regulate other prey species, preventing overpopulation and resource depletion. This dynamic relationship underscores the importance of rodents in supporting biodiversity and ensuring the stability of ecological communities.