Kenyan elephants treat themselves with forest plants
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Researchers in Kenya, working with local communities and park rangers near Mount Elgon, observed African elephants seeking out and consuming specific plants when unwell.
The study, published in Scientific Reports, builds on prior knowledge of elephants’ mineral-seeking behavior, like scraping cave walls, and suggests they also possess complex knowledge of medicinal plants. Local rangers report witnessing elephants carefully select plants when sick, and mothers preparing herbal remedies for their calves.
One ranger described a mother chewing leaves and roots of the Angurweet plant, a local remedy for stomach issues, into a paste, mixing it with milk, and feeding it to her young. The calf then spat out any solid remains after chewing. Dr. Michael Huffman of Nagasaki University noted the need for further field evidence to confirm the elephants intentionally administer these treatments. However, scientists have already equipped local experts with cameras to document this behavior.
They are also analyzing the chemical composition of the plants the elephants eat, hoping to discover new medicines. Researchers emphasize that protecting forests is crucial, as both animals and humans rely on them for natural remedies and the destruction of these habitats endangers access to potential medicines.
