Chimpanzees Use 'Forest First Aid' to Treat Wounds

Chimpanzees' Use of Medicinal Plants: A New Discovery in Uganda In the Budongo Forest of Uganda, a remarkable discovery has been made: wild chimpanzees are using plants to treat wounds and injuries. Researchers from Oxford University, collaborating with a local team, have captured compelling footage of chimpanzees applying chewed plant matter to their own wounds and even to the wounds of others. This behavior suggests a sophisticated level of understanding of medicinal plants and their properties. Dr. Elodie Freymann, from Oxford University, explains that some of the plants observed being used have known traditional uses in human medicine. "Some of the plants that the chimpanzees are using for these wound care behaviors actually have known traditional uses in human medicine," she states. This observation lends further credence to the theory of self-medication in animals, a field of study that is gaining increasing attention. The video also includes footage of an orangutan applying chewed leaves to a facial wound, indicating that this behavior may be more widespread among primates than previously thought. The discovery highlights the complex cognitive abilities and medicinal knowledge of these animals, offering valuable insights into the intersection of animal behavior and traditional medicine. This research opens up exciting new avenues for understanding animal self-medication and its potential implications for human health and conservation.