Can Ants Kill Elephants?
WouterDespite their large size, elephants are vulnerable to attacks from ants. Tiny ants can enter an elephant’s trunk and sting the sensitive parts of the animal’s body, including the eyes. If an elephant is bitten, it can become unconscious or suffer from anaphylactic shock. Ants can also infiltrate an elephant’s brain and inject disease-causing proteins.
Elephants’ eyes are the most sensitive part of their body. A tiny ant can sting an elephant’s eye and cause pain. Other openings can allow ants to enter an elephant’s brain.
Ants are not only harmful to elephants, but also to humans and other animals. They carry diseases and transmit them to humans. They can also spread diseases to other animals, including giraffes and elephants. They also agitate sensitive nerve endings and release poisonous material into the animal’s skin.
Researchers have discovered that elephants will avoid trees that are ant-covered. They are more wary of trees with branches that have been removed because ants have a tendency to attack. Currently, researchers are working to reduce the conflicts between elephants and ants by introducing a smell of ants near trees.
Another surprising discovery is that elephants do not eat Acacia drepanolobium trees. These trees are home to millions of ants, and they are usually avoided by elephants.
In addition, scientists believe that ants can prevent elephants from destroying trees. Researchers believe that ants may be able to save savannah green cover by spraying ant odours near trees.
