# Inter-species protection from predators **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 21, 2022, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-species-protection-from-predators/970048 "2022-08-21T21:36:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Capn\_Carl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/838e76/32.png) [@Capn\_Carl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capn_Carl)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2022, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-species-protection-from-predators/970048/1 "2022-08-21T21:36:22Z")
So I’m thinking about animals that will protect another species from predators. Humans have done this for thousands of years, mostly to protect livestock. Some ant species will have ‘livestock’ in the form of aphids, and will protect the aphids, but I’m not sure they’re a good example. They’re typically Weaver ants, which will attack pretty much anything even if there are no aphids to protect. But I recently read that Humpback whales will swim from miles away when they hear an orca hunt. The much larger humpbacks will then spoil the hunt; sometimes they’ll surface under a seal and lift it out of the water, to keep it safe. I can’t think of another example. Are there more? ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2022, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-species-protection-from-predators/970048/2 "2022-08-21T22:00:15Z")
Many animals (one example is axis deer and langur monkeys but there are tons of others) will hang out together because they have different ways of detecting predators. The monkeys will call out if they see something (as they have very good color vision) while the chital will call out if they smell something. This means a stalking tiger has to bypass additional layers of protection to catch a deer or a monkey. ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2022, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-species-protection-from-predators/970048/3 "2022-08-21T22:10:15Z")
There are certainly examples of mixed-species herds benefiting from different detection abilities for mutual benefit. A classic example is zebra & wildebeest, often found in mixed herds. > **[Determining the relative importance of dilution and detection for zebra...](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003347214003169)** > > For many animals, a key benefit of group living is lowered predation risk. With increasing group size, individuals commonly reduce vigilance. This gro… It’s also quite possible that the benefit can be principally in one direction - e.g. zebra hanging around near giraffe. > **[Zebra reduce predation risk in mixed-species herds by eavesdropping on cues...](https://academic.oup.com/beheco/article/27/4/1073/1743727)** > > Lay Summary. While foraging, zebra obtain information about predation risk by watching giraffe, likely interpreting their body language. This results in zebra s But I get the idea that you are seeking examples of animals altruistically (at least in a proximate sense) _helping_ other species evade predation? ---
**Author:** ![Toxylon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f05b48/32.png) [@Toxylon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Toxylon)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2022, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-species-protection-from-predators/970048/4 "2022-08-21T22:10:18Z")
As a rule, wild animals are keenly aware of the alarm calls of other species and use them to their survival advantage. However & obviously, this does NOT mean the species giving the calls etc. is attempting to help / protect the other species. ---
**Author:** ![hibernicus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hibernicus/32/2802_2.png) [@hibernicus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hibernicus)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2022, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-species-protection-from-predators/970048/5 "2022-08-21T22:25:45Z")
Google “dolphins protect swimmer from shark” or “dolphins protect divers from shark” for some possible examples. ---
**Author:** ![Latimera](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/latimera/32/497_2.png) [@Latimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Latimera)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2022, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-species-protection-from-predators/970048/6 "2022-08-21T22:32:17Z")
> [@Capn\_Carl](#): > > They’re typically Weaver ants, which will attack pretty much anything even if there are no aphids to protect Many species of ants around the world will “farm” aphids, not just weaver ants. ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2022, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-species-protection-from-predators/970048/7 "2022-08-21T23:15:55Z")
> [@hibernicus](#): > > “dolphins protect swimmer from shark” I guess the examples of animals (notably dogs) adopting other species should count too. Raising young certainly entails protection from predators. I can think of three reasons that apparently altruistic protective behavior might evolve. One is that instincts that evolved to protect kin or for intra-specific cooperation are “misdirected” toward other species. This is consistent with observing such behavior in highly social species like dolphins or dogs where these instincts would be strongest. I guess it’s also possible that genuine interspecific cooperation could evolve, just as it does for unrelated individuals within a species - helping an animal of another species avoid predation with the expectation of future reciprocation. Another reason, even absent any expectation of reciprocation, could be simply to make life more difficult for predators, with an ultimate self interest in reducing predator numbers in the area. ---
**Author:** ![Pardel-Lux](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pardel-lux/32/20182_2.png) [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2022, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-species-protection-from-predators/970048/8 "2022-08-21T23:32:20Z")
The ancient Greek already told stories of dolphins helping people drowning to reach the shore. Drowning is not being predated, but dolphins have been known to show altruistic behaviour, at least towards humans, since time [mythical](https://www.liquisearch.com/dolphins_in_mythology). They still seem to do it [today](https://people.com/pets/dolphins-alert-rescue-crew-to-lost-swimmer-stranded-for-hours/). ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2022, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-species-protection-from-predators/970048/9 "2022-08-21T23:33:46Z")
Ever notice that you never hear any of the stories of dolphins who carried shipwrecked sailors further out to sea? ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2022, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-species-protection-from-predators/970048/10 "2022-08-21T23:49:55Z")
> [@Pardel-Lux](#): > > They still seem to do it [today](https://people.com/pets/dolphins-alert-rescue-crew-to-lost-swimmer-stranded-for-hours/). That linked story is not a compelling example. It doesn’t say the dolphins helped him at all, just that he was found by humans because they saw the pod of dolphins that were around him. I mean, it could be more like how public executions used to be social events. ---
**Author:** ![Pardel-Lux](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pardel-lux/32/20182_2.png) [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2022, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-species-protection-from-predators/970048/11 "2022-08-21T23:54:28Z")
Now you mention it, I wonder why that may be so. 🤔 > [@Riemann](#): > > I mean, it could be more like how public executions used to be social events. I knew dolphins were [rapists](https://emtoast.com/?p=1925), but voyeurs too? Ts, ts, ts… ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2022, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-species-protection-from-predators/970048/12 "2022-08-21T23:57:34Z")
Perhaps these allegations are making dolphins more reluctant to help swimmers, in case their intentions are misconstrued. ---
**Author:** ![HoneyBadgerDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/honeybadgerdc/32/1033_2.png) [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2022, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-species-protection-from-predators/970048/13 "2022-08-22T04:53:35Z")
I believe that hippos have been witnessed saving animals from crocodiles. ---
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2022, 8:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-species-protection-from-predators/970048/14 "2022-08-22T08:37:56Z")
Llamas can guard sheep 9and similar farm animals): [Guard llama - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guard_llama) ---
**Author:** ![Banksiaman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/banksiaman/32/3334_2.png) [@Banksiaman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Banksiaman)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2022, 9:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-species-protection-from-predators/970048/15 "2022-08-22T09:12:43Z")
I have heard several ornithologists and birdos talk about how communities of different bird species develop over time and respond to each others’ warning calls to chase out the common predator. Apparently common in the Australian bush, where most birds stay put all year round, and have stable territories. ---
**Author:** ![Banksiaman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/banksiaman/32/3334_2.png) [@Banksiaman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Banksiaman)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2022, 11:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-species-protection-from-predators/970048/16 "2022-08-22T11:50:37Z")
Got a few mins to trawl for some references: [Fairy wrens forming bonds with individuals of other species to jointly protect territory](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/05/180521143827.htm) [Fairy wrens [again] copy the warning cries from much bigger birds to convince predators that they should not fuck with them](https://theconversation.com/the-mimics-among-us-birds-pirate-songs-for-personal-profit-30195). ---
**Author:** ![Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a88e4f/32.png) [@Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Digital_is_the_new_Analog)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2022, 12:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-species-protection-from-predators/970048/17 "2022-08-22T12:22:25Z")
There are nearly-blind shrimp that dig holes for protection. They hang out with a goby, who keeps watch for them. When there is a predator, the goby dives into the hole. This alerts the shrimp, which then follows to safety. Here’s one write-up about it. [https://twofishdivers.com/blog/goby-fish-blind-shrimp/](https://twofishdivers.com/blog/goby-fish-blind-shrimp/) I randomly got a picture of a pair like this on a dive trip in Chuuk Lagoon - we were diving a small wreck and some of the people on my trip were taking up too much space, flopping around, kicking up silt, etc. I swam out a little bit and found a goby sitting on the sand, so I took a picture to pass the time. While showing it to a friend, he pointed out the symbiotic behavior I hadn’t even noticed. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2022, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-species-protection-from-predators/970048/18 "2022-08-22T13:14:52Z")
Not sure if this fits the OP’s criteria, but there are many examples of symbiosis or mutualism between ants and plants. The plant provides the ant colony a place to live; in exchange, the ants will protect the plant against attack. The ants can also help the plant gather food from a larger area than their roots cover, and the plants sometime provide nectar and food for the ants. > **[Ant-plant mutualisms should be viewed as symbiotic communities](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2688311/)** > > Ant-plants provide food and nesting space (domatia) for ants that protect them against herbivores. These mutualisms are often very specific and are usually considered as bipartite, or tripartite when ants use hemipterans as trophobionts. However,... > **[Ants and plants: a very natural love story | Kew](https://www.kew.org/read-and-watch/ants-and-plants-a-very-natural-love-story)** > > Ant-plants are an excellent demonstration of how the insect world and the plant world are deeply intertwined. Grace Brewer, Research Assistant at Kew, tells us more about this fascinating relationship. ---
**Author:** ![Tibby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tibby/32/17030_2.png) [@Tibby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tibby)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2022, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-species-protection-from-predators/970048/19 "2022-08-22T15:38:20Z")
[This video](https://vimeo.com/102771347) shows an orca apparently showing _mercy_ by pushing a baby seal safely ashore after the pod eats its fill of other seals. ---
**Author:** ![Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/marvin_the_martian/32/2898_2.png) [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marvin_the_Martian)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2022, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-species-protection-from-predators/970048/20 "2022-08-22T16:04:13Z")
“Let’s let this one fatten up, we’ll get it later.” [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-species-protection-from-predators/970048.md?page=2)