Detailed Record



Symbiotic acacia ants drive nesting behavior by birds in an African savanna


Abstract Mutualisms between plants and ants are common features of tropical ecosystems around the globe and can have cascading effects on interactions with the ecological communities in which they occur. In an African savanna, we assessed whether acacia ants influence nest site selection by tree‐nesting birds. Birds selected nest sites in trees inhabited by ant species that vigorously defend against browsing mammals. Future research could address the extent to which hatching and fledging rates depend on the species of ant symbiont, and why ants tolerate nesting birds but no other tree associates (especially insects). Abstract in Swahili is available with online material.
Authors Ema Lujan University of Wyoming , Ryen Nielsen University of Wyoming , Zoe Short University of Wyoming , Samuel Wicks University of Wyoming , Wilson Nderitu Watetu , Leo M. Khasoha University of Wyoming , Todd M. Palmer , Jacob R. Goheen University of WyomingORCID , Jesse M. Alston ORCID
Journal Info Wiley-Blackwell | Biotropica , vol: 55 , iss: 6 , pages: 1101 - 1105
Publication Date 10/20/2023
ISSN 0006-3606
TypeKeyword Image article
Open Access bronze Bronze Access
DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/btp.13276
KeywordsKeyword Image Ants (Score: 0.497284)