Warthogs have discovered how to get rid of bothersome ticks by enlisting the help of some sympathetic neighbors: a pack of hungry mongooses looking for snacks.
The warthogs have mastered the art of lying down when banded mongooses are present. The wild pigs are now being checked for ticks by the mongoose cleaning staff, who even go so far as to jump on top of their clients in order to access more parasites. These alliances between various mammal species are uncommon, and this specific encounter demonstrates a high level of trust between participants.
The ubiquitous common warthog lives in ɢʀᴀsslands, savannas, and woods throughout sub-Saharan Africa. The warthog is a species that may reach lengths of five feet and is distinguished by a pair of tusks that it employs for both digging and defense. The banded mongoose is a tiny carnivore that resembles a cat and has a number of bands across its back, as suggested by its common name. The species travels in family groups of up to 40 people.
The interaction between the warthog and the mongoose is a rare instance of mutualism, a symbiotic relationship between two animal species that benefits both groups. The mongooses are fed, and the warthogs are given a bath. Other instances of mutualism include bees that feed on flower nectar and disperse pollen to other plants, as well as rhinos, zebras, and other animals that are visited by oxpeckers, parasite-eating birds.
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Source: BBC TV
