Commensalism Cattle Egret and Livestock
This photograph shows a good example of Commensalism between a Cattle Egret(Bubulcus ibis) and Livestock that I often see in the field behind my home in Thailand.
What is Commensalism?
Commonsalism in its simplest form is where there is a relationship between two living organisms where one benefits and the other does not. However the benefit gained does not harm the provider of the benefit like it might well do in Parasitism.
How does Commensalism work between the Cattle Egret and Livestock?
As the live stock move through the field they disturb small insects and reptiles which the waiting cattle egret then consumes. In my observations of this form of commensalism I notice that the livestock are quite tolerant of the birds even when they are very close.
Equipment: Canon EOS 1000D 55mm Lens
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