Crocodiles and Egyptian plovers have a unique symbiotic relationship in the wild. The plovers are often seen around crocodiles, even going into their open mouths, but the crocodiles do not eat them. There are several reasons why this unusual relationship exists.
The Egyptian Plover Provides a Service
The Egyptian plover provides a valuable service to the crocodile by cleaning its teeth. The plover goes into the crocodile’s mouth and eats bits of meat stuck between the teeth and plaque on the teeth. This keeps the crocodile’s mouth clean and free of bacteria that could cause disease. A crocodile is unable to brush its own teeth, so it allows the plover access in order to gain this beneficial cleaning service.
Dental Hygiene Keeps Crocodiles Healthy
Crocodiles are prone to infections in their mouth which can spread through their body and make them very ill. Having clean teeth helps prevent these infections, so the plover’s dental work is very important to the crocodile’s health. Allowing the bird to clean its teeth makes sense for the crocodile so it can stay healthy.
The Plover is Too Small to Bother Eating
The Egyptian plover only weighs 2-3 ounces so it would not make much of a meal for the massive crocodile. The energy required by the crocodile to eat the tiny bird would outweigh any nutritional benefits it would gain. It is not worth the crocodile’s effort to go after such a small snack.
The Crocodile Protects the Plover and its Eggs
In exchange for the dental services, the fearsome crocodile will protect the plover and its nest. The nest is often located close to the crocodile’s habitat on sandy banks. Should any predators try to attack the nest to eat the eggs, the crocodile may retaliate by attacking the predator. Even such big threats as lions and hyenas will avoid the area since they know the ferocious crocodile could be nearby guarding the nest.
Only Certain Crocodiles Cooperate
Not all crocodiles will partner up with the plover. Generally only the Nile crocodile in Africa and the American crocodile in the Caribbean demonstrate this symbiotic relationship. Other crocodile species do not provide the same nest protection.
Plover Numbers Have Increased
This mutually beneficial relationship between the plover and the crocodile has been quite effective. Plover numbers have increased over decades as they have more successfully raised chicks to adulthood thanks to the crocodiles scaring away nest predators.
Myths and Legends About the Relationship
Folk tales have arisen over the years about this unique interspecies relationship between crocodile and bird.
The Grateful Crocodile
One legend claims that a crocodile once had a thorn stuck deep in its paw and was unable to remove it on its own. An Egyptian plover came along and pulled out the thorn, relieving the crocodile. As a reward, the crocodile told the bird it would never eat plovers and would protect the nests.
The Trusting Plover
Another tale says that a crocodile lay with its mouth open as normal, and a plover decided to fly right in even though the crocodile could chomp down and eat it. But the crocodile did not bite, and the plover emerged unharmed after cleaning the teeth. From then on, the plover never feared the crocodile’s jaws.
The Wishful Thinking Crocodile
Some stories paint the crocodile as wishing it could eat the plover but being unable to. In these versions, the Egyptian plover is said to have a magical stone in its brain that prevents the crocodile from consuming it. The crocodile allows the dental cleaning in hopes of one day eating the plover, but that day never comes.
The Relationship Has Scientific Basis
While the legends add imaginative flair, the true basis of the crocodile and plover symbiotic system is believed to be scientific. The observed cooperation provides clear benefits to both species.
Seeks Out Multiple Crocodiles
Research shows the plover will follow crocodiles and provide dental care for multiple individuals within its environment. The more crocodiles it keeps happy, the more nest protectors will be available when breeding season comes.
The Crocodile Can Sense the Cleaning
Scientists have noted that the crocodile is aware the plover is inside its mouth. Chemical receptors send signals that the plover is cleaning, not attacking, so the crocodile remains calm. This demonstrates an interspecies communication.
Instinct Drives the Relationship
The symbiotic system is believed to be based on instinctual behavior over generations. Young crocodiles and plovers learn to cooperate through observing their elders interacting peacefully and beneficially. The instincts to allow cleaning and protect nests are passed down.
Threats to the Plover-Crocodile Bond
This ancient interspecies relationship has existed for ages but faces new threats today.
Habitat Loss
Wetland habitat is being destroyed worldwide, including crocodile nesting areas. With fewer safe nest sites, plovers have fewer crocodile protectors. Their breeding success is reduced.
Climate Disruption
Changing weather and precipitation patterns can impact timing between the plover nesting season and crocodile hatching season. The baby crocodiles may not be around to guard the plover nests.
Human Activity
Increased disturbance from agriculture, fishing, pollution and other human activities poses risks to both plover and crocodile populations. Interactions may be disrupted.
Efforts to Protect this Unique Bond
Biologists are working to provide knowledge and protection to enable this symbiotic relationship to persist.
Habitat Conservation
Preserving wetlands and sandy shores where crocodiles breed and plovers nest is a key priority. Signage, nest enclosures and community education can all help reduce habitat risks.
Breeding Programs
Captive breeding of Egyptian plovers has been initiated to boost populations. Where safe, captive-raised birds are released to supplement wild flocks and continue natural interspecies interactions.
Legal Protections
Laws restricting hunting and egg harvesting provide a policy framework to maintain crocodile and plover numbers. Enforcement of legal protections will be critical.
Conclusion
The mutually beneficial relationship between the Egyptian plover and the crocodile is a fascinating case of interspecies cooperation. While ancient myths may color the history, scientists have shown how the partnership evolved instinctually over time. This symbiosis now faces substantial threats from human activity. Targeted conservation efforts that protect wetland habitats, enable successful breeding, and provide legal safeguards offer hope for preserving this unique animal bond into the future.