2024-01-28 08:47:42
Although they are small in appearance, no one should take ants for granted. Because a new study has shown that they have the ability to drastically change an ecosystem.
After 30 years of research, Todd Palmer, a professor at the University of Florida, and a group of scientists made such a discovery. They studied the complex relationship between ants and animals at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. According to the study report, ants were able to significantly influence the diet of elephants and lions, thereby changing the entire ecosystem.
Large-headed ants found in various tropical and subtropical regions were observed. According to Professor Todd Palmer, “These tiny invaders affect the links that bind an African ecosystem together, determining who eats whom.” The research team used optical cameras, lion collars attached to satellites and statistical modelling.
The findings of the study were quite surprising. Acacia ants, native to the area, have been attacked by large-headed ants. Gradually the acacia ants started disappearing from the area. These ants mostly nested in a type of acacia tree known as Acacia drepanolobium or whistle thorn. Elephants were less likely to use these trees as their food because of the nesting of ants.
However, after the acacia ants disappeared, the elephants began to eat it freely. With the decrease of trees, the cover here disappeared. This made it difficult for lions to hunt zebras. Because the zebras mostly depended on these trees to hide and jump when the lions were hunting. As they were unable to hunt zebras, they started hunting wild buffaloes in droves.
Professor Palmer said these tiny invasive ants appeared about 15 years ago. He says that perhaps because they do not attack large creatures, including humans, no one has noticed them until now. But, Palmer added, these are causing major changes in nature that could have catastrophic consequences.
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Last Updated Jan 28, 2024, 2:28 PM IST
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