Tapirus terrestris and Milvago chimachima: tick-cleaning interactions observed in the Brazilian Pantanal (Perissodactyla: Tapiridae; Aves: Falconiformes)

The bird-mammal tick-cleaning associations are considered an example of mutualistic interactions in which the birds (cleaners) obtain food, and the mammals (hosts) get rid from ticks. In some cases, this mutualistic relationship can be complicated by “cheating” during the cleaning session, where the cleaner also feeds on the host’s wounded tissue or blood. Here we report on tick-cleaning interactions between the yellow-headed caracara (Milvago chimachima) and the South American tapir (Tapirus terrestris) observed in the Brazilian Pantanal. Our observations indicate that tick-cleaning interactions between the caracara and tapir may not always have a fully mutualistic character. It seems that in some cases, tapirs’ willingness to accept cleaner birds may be reduced by the negative experience that the birds will also peck at the wounds.