Nairobi, Feb. 10 -- In Kenya, an unassuming yet invasive ant species is disrupting the intricate balance of an ecosystem, ultimately influencing the hunting patterns of the continent's most iconic predator, the lion.

A study reveals that a tiny and seemingly innocuous invasive ant species, identified as big-headed ants (Pheidole megacephala), is impacting tree cover in an East African wildlife area, making it harder for lions to hunt its preferred prey, zebra.

Led by University of Wyoming doctoral candidate and Kenyan scientist, Douglas Kamaru, the research reveals that the species of invasive ants has been eating up another ant species that has historically protected the acacia dominant tree species.

"The spread of the big-headed ant,...