A Cooperative Bond
Sambar deer and cattle egrets have a cool relationship: the egret gets a free ride and a meal, and the deer gets a clean coat and a lookout. The egret perches on the deer's back and eats ticks and other parasites, which keeps the deer healthy and free of pests. The egret's keen eyesight also helps to alert the deer to predators. In return, the egret gets a free ride to new food sources and a high vantage point from which to spot danger.
This symbiotic relationship is common in many parts of the world, where sambar deer and cattle egrets share the same habitat.
A Cooperative Bond
Sambar deer and cattle egrets have a cool relationship: the egret gets a free ride and a meal, and the deer gets a clean coat and a lookout. The egret perches on the deer's back and eats ticks and other parasites, which keeps the deer healthy and free of pests. The egret's keen eyesight also helps to alert the deer to predators. In return, the egret gets a free ride to new food sources and a high vantage point from which to spot danger.
This symbiotic relationship is common in many parts of the world, where sambar deer and cattle egrets share the same habitat.