An odd relationship has been discovered in Turkey’s Kizilirmak Delta, a large wetlands region in the Middle East. Marsh frogs have been hitchhiking on water buffalo. The water buffalo are plagued by flies, which are often disease carrying parasites. The frogs, as insectivores, are at a veritable smorgasbord on the buffaloes’ backs. The frogs also benefit from the buffaloes’ consistent body temperature, since they’re unable to regulate their own. It’s a relationship that benefits both animals.

Key Takeaways:

• Scientists found water buffaloes in Turkey, sporting frogs, as few as 2-5, and in one case, as many as 27.
• It’s been suggested that the frogs eat the flies that land on the buffaloes coats, while using their body heat for warmth.
• The phenomenon of the tiny marsh frogs, alighting to stay on the great horned water buffaloes, is a heretofore unknown one, discovered during a bird-watching expedition.

“The jury is out on what the nature of the interaction, but if I had to put down money, it would be that it isn’t a mutualism.”

Read more: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-4803694/Scientists-discover-water-buffaloes-covered-FROGS.html