Ant invasion in Kenya: How aggressive intruders are changing the savannah

The aggressive spread of the invasive bullhead ant in Kenya is leading to a dramatic decline in acacia trees. The big-headed ant is displacing the native acacia ants, affecting the ecosystem and having far-reaching consequences for the predator food chain. Lions, which previously benefited from the trees, now have to adapt their hunting habits. The tree population has almost tripled, making it more difficult for lions to find food. Zebras, on the other hand, benefit because the big-headed ants do not bite elephants and they eat more of the acacia trees again. These changes illustrate the complex ecological impact of a seemingly inconspicuous species.