Draft:Interspecific cooperative hunting

Cooperative hunting is a mutualistic symbiosis involving members of two different species working together to find, subdue, or consume prey. Unlike pack hunters, these animals are unrelated.

The division of labor in interspecific cooperative hunting varies widely from case to case. Like intraspecific cooperative hunting, species will adopt certain specialties in hunting that utilize their specific behavioral and morphological strengths. Keen senses, strong weaponry, defensive armor, dexterity, and cognitive ability may influence the allocation of efforts. Weaker or smaller species may be scouts or lookouts, playing a more passive role, while the stronger or larger species may be more active in the hunting and subduing of prey. Specializations can be complex, with foresight and planning integrated into hunting plans.

Examples

Badgers and coyotes

The association between badgers (Taxidea taxus) and coyotes (Canis lactrans) is a well-documented and notable example of cooperative hunting mutualism. This interaction has been captured on video by scientists and laypeople alike, gaining traction on social media for the playful nature the animals have demonstrated when together. Both species aid the other in the capture of ground squirrels (Spermophilus armatus), doing so at a rate exceeding that of their individual efforts.

Groupers and moray eels

Groupers (Plectropomus pessuliferus) and giant moray eels (Gymnothorax javanicus) both demonstrate hunting behaviors that complement one another. Groupers operate in the open water, while the morays specialize in maneuvering through small crevices. When these species cooperate, prey cannot escape through either route, and are captured at higher rates.

Octopuses and fish

Octopuses (Octopus cyanea) and multiple species of fish have been found to cooperate in hunting behavior. The fish will scout the area, after which the octopus will use its tentacles to remove prey from crevices under rocks that the fish cannot access. Recently, divers off the coast of Israel and Egypt observed octopuses punching their fish partners in order to condemn cheating behavior or lack of focus, or to directly access prey themselves. This is a form of punishment that is common in mutualisms to disincentivize exploitative behavior.