Does Slavery Exist among Animals?

Among the 15,000 or so known species of ants, most are respectable ant citizens that follow the rules, do their work, and get along with other ants in the colony. But in a small number of ant societies, slave-maker ants are known to infiltrate other nests, steal broods, and brainwash the young ants as they mature. These abducted ants fall in line and perform the tasks necessary to keep the rogue colony going.

Slave-making ants mostly live in the tropics, but a subspecies has been found raiding nests in the United States, too.

Opportunistic ants:

• Slave-maker ants typically conduct about six raids each summer, killing adults in other nests and enslaving the pupae.
• The pillaging ants evade detection by using a chemical cloak. Often, the victimized colony has no idea that it has been infiltrated. If it does, the attacked ants may fight back, or they may just abandon the nest.
• If confronted, the pillaging ants are relentless, using stingers to stab attackers in a soft spot in their necks. Their victims are paralyzed and then die.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do any animal species practice a form of slavery?

Yes, certain ant species, such as the Polyergus genus, are known for enslaving other ants. These 'slave-making' ants invade neighboring colonies, capturing pupae and larvae. Once these immature ants mature, they work for the captor colony, unaware of their origins. This phenomenon is a form of social parasitism rather than slavery in human terms.

How does this 'enslavement' among ants affect the dynamics of their colonies?

Enslaved ants perform various tasks for their captors, including foraging, nursing, and defending the colony. This alters the natural behavior and roles within both the enslaved and enslaver colonies. The enslaver ants become dependent on their captives for survival, while the enslaved species may experience reduced colony success and population numbers.

Are there any other examples of animal 'slavery' beyond ants?

While ants are the most cited example, some researchers argue that brood parasitism in birds, such as in cuckoos, resembles slavery. Cuckoos lay eggs in other birds' nests, leaving the parenting duties to the unsuspecting host. However, this is more often classified as parasitism since the host birds are not captured or controlled directly.

What is the biological advantage for ants that enslave other ants?

Slave-making ants benefit by reducing their own colony's workload, as the enslaved ants take on essential tasks. This allows the enslaver ants to allocate more energy to reproduction and expansion. According to studies, this strategy can be highly effective for the survival and growth of the enslaver ant colonies.

Is the concept of slavery in animals comparable to human slavery?

No, the concept of slavery among animals, particularly in ants, is fundamentally different from human slavery. Animal 'slavery' lacks the moral and ethical implications associated with human slavery. It is a survival strategy driven by instinct and evolutionary advantages, not by conscious oppression or exploitation as seen in human history.

Can intervention by humans or conservationists help affected species?

Intervention is generally not practiced in cases of animal 'slavery' because it is a natural behavior that has evolved over millennia. Conservationists typically focus on preserving natural ecosystems and species diversity. Disrupting these complex interactions could have unforeseen consequences on the local environment and the natural balance of ecosystems.