What Animals Are Dependent on Humans?

While human beings can be considered just another part of the animal kingdom, they have become the dominant animal species on the planet. Most animal species can live independently of humans in the wild, but either by chance or design there are many animals that now rely on humans for survival.

  1. Dogs

    • When one imagines animals that are dependent on humans for survival, one of the first animals that comes to mind is the dog. While there are still feral dogs and wolves that live in the wild, domestic dogs have existed as pets and workers for humans for 15,000 years. Early domestic dogs were used for hunting, herding and other tasks, but more recently most dogs are kept strictly as pets. Some dogs have even been bred to be smaller so they can make better pets. These dogs have evolved to be entirely dependent on humans, and would not survive in the wild. Furthermore, most domestic dogs have lost the instinct to hunt and survive in the wild because they do not need it. Humans provide them with all the shelter and food they need.

    Cats

    • Cats are not as dependent on humans as dogs are, but domesticated cats still rely on humans for food and shelter. Cats are more independent than other domestic animals, but most that are domesticated still rely on their human owners for food. Some house cats can be more feral and can catch rodents and other small animals, but ultimately they see their owners' homes as their homes and rely on humans for shelter.

    Sheep

    • Most herding animals that have been domesticated by humans are now dependent on them for survival. Sheep, for example, have been a source of food -- meat and milk -- and clothing -- wool and leather -- for thousands of years, and while they were once capable of living in the wild, evolution and human progress have rendered them all but helpless without human shepherds. Sheep are docile animals that are easily led to new food sources, especially if they overgraze one area, and they are vulnerable to attack from wolves and other predators. Humans provide them with protection and allow them ample space to graze and feed freely in a world that is running out of room to support them in the wild.

    Chickens

    • Chickens are thought to have descended from the red jungle fowl and are considered by many scientists to be of the same species. While jungle fowl are more than capable of surviving in the wild, domestic chickens have evolved into a form that is dependent on humans for survival. They are bred to be fattened up quickly for slaughter and to lay eggs, not to survive in the wild. They get their food from farmers and other keepers, and are incapable of long-distance flight.