Am J Primatol. 2014 Feb;76(2):146-58. doi: 10.1002/ajp.22217. Epub 2013 Sep 30.
New evidence for self-medication in bonobos: Manniophyton fulvum leaf- and stemstrip-swallowing from LuiKotale, Salonga National Park, DR Congo.
Abstract
The
swallowing of entire leaves by apes across Africa without chewing has
been observed for over 40 plant species. Here we add evidence for (a) a
new site, LuiKotale where leaf-swallowing of Manniophyton fulvum
(Euphorbiaceae) is observed in bonobos, (b) a so far unreported
ingestion of unchewed stemstrips of M. fulvum, we name
stemstrip-swallowing; and (c) a test of some of the requirements put
forward by Huffman for the assessment of plants
ingested for medical purpose. As ecological correlates we analyzed M.
fulvum phenological data and examined 1,094 dung piles collected between
2002 and 2009. By that we assessed availability and choice of leaves.
In addition, we provide the first full description of the behavior
related to this plant species' use by chimpanzees or bonobos using 56
bouts of M. fulvum ingestion observed between October 2007 and February
2010. With these data we tested and met 4 of the 6 requirements given by
Huffman, supporting ingestion of this species as self-medication.
Despite species' year-round availability and abundance, M. fulvum was
ingested only at specific times, in very small amounts, and by a small
proportion of individuals per party. In the absence of our own
parasitological data, we used M. fulvum swallowing as evidence for
parasite infestation, and seasonality as a proxy for stressors
underlying seasonal fluctuation and impacting immune responses. Using
these indirect factors available, we investigated conditions for a
parasite to develop to its infective stage as well as conditions for the
host to cope with infections. Both rain and temperature were good
predictors for M. fulvum ingestion. We discuss the use of M. fulvum with
respect to its hispidity and subsequent purging properties and provide
insight into its ethnomedicinal uses by humans, stimulating speculations
about potentially additional pharmacological effects.
© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
