Chimps eat dirt to fight off malaria

Published on India Environment Portal | News, reports, documents, blogs, data, analysis on environment & development | India, South Asia (http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in)

Chimps eat dirt to fight off malaria [1]

A new study has discovered that chimpanzees can fight off malaria by swallowing mouthfuls of dirt and leaves, which act as "selfmedication' for the animals. According to a report in National Geographic News, Clay soils consumed by both chimps and humans in Uganda's Kibale National Park contain high concentrations of the mineral kaolinite, a main ingredient in some anti-diarrheal medications. Experts from Mus

Publication Date:

21/02/2008

Source: Times Of India (New Delhi) [2]

Tags:

Malaria [3], Vector Borne Diseases [4], Wildlife [5], Uganda [6]

Source URL: http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/news/chimps-eat-dirt-fight-malaria

Links:
[1] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/news/chimps-eat-dirt-fight-malaria
[2] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/newspaper/times-india-new-delhi
[3] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/thesaurus/malaria
[4] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/thesaurus/vector-borne-diseases
[5] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/thesaurus/wildlife
[6] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/thesaurus/uganda