Symbiosis
by Gary Hall
Title
Symbiosis
Artist
Gary Hall
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
The Impala, an African Antelope, and Oxpecker (bird) have a symbiotic relationship. Each of the species is benefited in some way by the presence of the other. Oxpeckers feed exclusively on the backs of large mammals, ridding their hosts of ticks, botfly larvae and other parasites. They also feed on earwax and dandruff form their hosts. The Impala is one of the Oxpecker's favorite hosts because these mammals carry a heavy tick load and are very social. Besides ridding their hosts of parasites, Oxpeckers also act as parasites themselves by drinking blood from open wounds. Another benefit the Oxpecker provides is their rattling cries that alert nearby wild game to the presence of predators. Hair from the host animal is used by the Oxpecker to line the bird's nest.
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March 23rd, 2014
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