photo credit: thebuffafamily
Ugandan and French scientists have for months been observing the behaviour of a group of chimpanzees whose uncanny aptitude for self-medication could help their human cousins discover new drugs.
The great apes’ ability to treat ailments by adjusting their diet has long been observed by scientists, including world-renowned primatologist Jane Goodall, but a project in Uganda’s Kibale forest offers a unique opportunity for pharmaceutical research.
“It’s the first time that a chimpanzee observation aimed at discovering new medicine for humans is conducted within a scientific framework,” said Sabrina Krief, a French veterinary and professor at the Paris National History Museum.
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I was in Kibale last month. Didn’t know about this project, but thanks to you, I have another excuse to flee the office for a camping expedition soon!
That sounds fascinating. If you’d ever like to tell Kitty Mowmow’s readers about your animal-related experiences there, you can email them to me and I’d be happy to post them – with full credit to you, of course.