A "chain reaction" involving invading ants is causing lions to kill fewer zebras ~
Everything seems to be in place to stop a lion from pursuing a zebra. However, scientists have just found that ants, a little enemy, are impeding these massive predators. Researchers have discovered that the proliferation of big-headed ants in east Africa causes a chain reaction that reduces the number of zebras killed by lions.

The Reasoning Behind This Shift: 

• Acacia trees used to be much more abundant. They filled the Savannah 20 years ago. Native acacia ants used these trees for food and shelter; in exchange, the ants protected the trees from predators such as elephants, who would otherwise consume them. These native ants would climb up the inside of elephant trunks and bite them when the elephants grabbed them. An invading ant then disrupted their relationship, triggering a chain reaction of events that continues to this day, affecting elephant behavior and lion diets. 
• Despite their small size (about one-third that of native acacia ants), these big-headed ants are vicious. When they come into touch with native ant populations, they totally eradicate them, generating massive supercolonies of hundreds of millions of ants. As a result, elephants may be more likely to attack undefended acacia trees. The elephants have been uprooting branches and toppling trees. Zebras, the lions' principal food source, are becoming increasingly difficult to capture in the park as a result of the changing topography. The lion's hunting methods are mostly predicated on surprise. They hide behind trees, stalk their victims, and then strike. Zebras can see approaching lions in open regions, allowing them more time to run.

About the Research: 

Subsequently, the researchers constructed a computer model grounded on field observations to investigate potential effects of big-headed ants and improved visibility on zebra mobility, zebra death sites, and lion activity. The researchers discovered that zebra killings were nearly three times more common in low-visibility areas devoid of big-headed ants than in high-visibility areas with their presence. However, the research excluded a connection to lion activity or zebra population, indicating that the decrease in kills is most likely caused by the lions' increased visibility to their victims. While the percentage of buffalo killings by lions increased from 0% to 42% between 2003 and 2020, the percentage of zebra kills by lions decreased from 67% to 42%. The work provides a crucial window into the way that breaking a mutualism might affect an ecosystem as a whole. In the end, maintaining healthy ecosystems necessitates not just preventing the extinction of species but also identifying and protecting the most significant relationships among them.

Taking Care Of The Apex Pradetor : 
Along with recording these changes, the study team—which includes Douglas Kamaru from the University of Wyoming and Corinna Riginos from The Nature Conservancy—is also looking for ways to lessen the impact that invading ants have on tree populations. Temporary fence is one strategy being considered to shield trees from huge animals. The foundation of their long-term study has been conventional fieldwork, which has proven valuable despite technological advancements. This study was born out of driving around in Land Rovers in the mud for thirty years, highlighting the need of practical research in comprehending and protecting the natural world.

The study emphasizes how ecosystems have a delicate balance and the significant impact that even the tiniest alterations may have on the survival of iconic species like the African lion!