Ant Invasion Alters Lions' Hunting Behavior
Researchers have found that the spread of big-headed ants in east Africa is leading to lions making fewer zebra kills due to a chain reaction involving the ants and native trees, causing a loss of cover for the lions. The invasive ants disrupt the relationship between native ants and trees, leading to decreased tree cover and increased visibility, making it harder for lions to successfully stalk and ambush their prey. This ecological impact highlights the importance of species interactions and raises concerns about potential landscape-level changes in the area.