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Invasive species pose a threat to our biodiversity and ecosystems. At Mpala, we have a big threat that stems from a small insect. In a collaboration between the University of Wyoming and the University of Florida, the invasion of the big-headed ant (Pheidole megacephala) at Mpala and surrounding conservancies is being studied. The big-headed ant poses a problem because it displaces beneficial ants that typically defend canopies of Whistling Thorn Acacias, leaving those trees vulnerable to elephants and other large herbivores. Now that we have a better understanding of the problem, future projects will test removal methods across Mpala.

In this video, Patrick Milligan, a 4th-year PhD student at the University of Florida takes us to the field where his research takes place. His research focuses on ant-plant interactions and invasive species. As a grad student and future ecologist, he wants to use his research to create unique natural learning experiences for students, scientists and the general public, because he believes that everyone can come to appreciate nature if it is presented in the correct way.