Elephants Use Medicinal Plants to Treat Themselves, Researchers Find
New research reveals that African elephants use dozens of different medicinal plants to treat themselves and their families when sick.
African elephants use dozens of different medicinal plants to treat themselves and their families when they are sick, according to new research.
The findings add to a growing body of evidence that certain animal species engage in self-medication behavior, selecting specific plants for their therapeutic properties rather than simply for nutrition.
Self-medication in the wild
Researchers say the discovery highlights the sophisticated knowledge elephants appear to have of their environment, including the ability to identify and use plants with medicinal properties. Such behavior, often referred to as zoopharmacognosy, has previously been documented in other animal species, including primates.
The study underscores the complexity of elephant social and family structures, as the animals were found to use these plants not only on themselves but also to help treat other members of their family groups.
The research adds to a broader understanding of animal cognition and behavior, and researchers say further study could help identify additional plant species with medicinal properties relevant to both wildlife conservation and potentially human medicine.
Specific details on the number and identity of the plant species involved, along with the research methodology, were not fully outlined in the available summary.
Sources
- Elephants use medicinal plants to treat themselves, researchers find — BBC Science & Environment
EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.
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