An
apex predator, also known as an
alpha predator,
super predator,
top predator or
top-level predator, is a
predator residing at the top of a
food chain upon which no other creatures prey. Apex predators are usually defined in terms of
trophic dynamics, meaning that apex-predator species occupy the highest
trophic level or levels and play a crucial role in maintaining the health of their
ecosystems. One study of marine
food webs defined apex predators as greater than trophic level four. The apex predator concept is commonly applied in
wildlife management,
conservation and
ecotourism.