Scientists Figured Out Why These Monkeys Eat Dirt. The Key Is Tourists
Gizmodo • • health
Key Points:
- A new study reveals that Barbary macaques in Gibraltar are eating dirt, likely to soothe stomach issues caused by consuming junk food from tourists.
- Researchers found that dirt-eating (geophagy) is more common in macaque groups spending time near tourists and after eating human-provided treats, while troops with little human contact showed little to no such behavior.
- The behavior is not linked to mineral cravings during pregnancy but appears to be an adaptive response to gastrointestinal discomfort from an unhealthy diet, including dairy products like ice cream.
- The findings support stricter enforcement of rules against feeding monkeys and highlight the macaques' behavioral adaptability and cultural differences among troops in their choice of dirt types.
- Researchers plan further analysis of the soil consumed and hope the study will increase public appreciation and understanding of these intelligent primates living in human-dominated environments.
