Research overview: grouping as anti-predator defense against felids

A survey of how prey use group living to reduce predation by cats, through the many-eyes effect, dilution, confusion and collective defense. Larger herds detect stalking felids sooner and dilute individual risk, allowing members to lower personal vigilance, while some species mob or collectively confront predators. This overview synthesizes evidence on how group size influences felid hunting success and prey vigilance across ungulate and primate prey of lions, leopards and tigers, and the conditions under which grouping is an effective defense versus when cooperative or large predators overcome it. It connects anti-predator grouping to the evolution of sociality in prey and to the counter-strategies of cooperative hunting in lions. The topic links predation pressure to one of the principal benefits of living in groups.