Scientists have filmed wild chimpanzees in Uganda utilizing various plants to treat injuries, revealing their sophisticated understanding of natural medicine.
Chimpanzees Exhibit Advanced Medicinal Knowledge in Ugandan Forests
Chimpanzees Exhibit Advanced Medicinal Knowledge in Ugandan Forests
New research highlights wild chimpanzees using plants for self-treatment and care in their natural habitat.
Recent studies in Uganda's Budongo Forest have unveiled astonishing moments of wild chimpanzees employing medicinal plants for treating injuries. A collaborative effort by researchers from the University of Oxford and local conservationists has brought to light the breadth of these behaviors, likening them to a form of "forest first aid." The findings, published in the journal Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, reinforce the growing evidence that primates, including chimpanzees, engage in self-medication.
The research follows up on a discovery made last year, showing that chimpanzees actively seek out specific plants for their healing properties. Lead researcher Dr. Elodie Freymann explained that this knowledge supports the existence of a significant behavioral repertoire among chimpanzees for addressing health issues in the wild.
Footage captured by the researchers illustrated a young female chimpanzee applying chewed plant materials to its mother's wounds. This behavior extends beyond self-care; the study documented instances where chimpanzees assisted unrelated companions in treating injuries, showcasing a remarkable level of empathy.
Elodie Freymann noted that the research includes detailed observations compiled over decades at the Budongo Forest site, dating back to the 1990s. This anecdotal evidence highlights various self-care tactics used by the chimpanzees, including the use of leaves for hygiene, reflecting surprisingly human-like behaviors.
Through extensive analysis, the researchers have already identified some plants that chimpanzees use for their medicinal properties, many of which exhibit antibacterial characteristics. Not limited to chimpanzees, this knowledge of plant-based medicine also extends to orangutans, evidenced by a recent study on their similar self-care habits.
Dr. Freymann believes that understanding these behaviors can significantly contribute to the search for novel treatments in human medicine. She emphasized how much remains unknown about humanity’s relationship with the natural world and expressed admiration for the chimps' innate survival skills. "These chimpanzees thrive here because they know how to access the secrets of this place," she declared, underscoring the profound intelligence of one of our closest relatives.
