Insights into how gorillas in Gabon consume antibacterial plants that could offer clues for human medicine ..read more

Insights into Group Cohesion & Conflict Resolution in Early Human Evolution ..read more

Research on East African Chimpanzees Reveals Sophisticated Communication Similar to Human Interactions ..read more

In 2017, Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, wreaking havoc on human populations and natural habitats alike. One notable area affected was Cayo Santiago, a small island home to hundreds of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). These macaques, known for their aggressive behavior, demonstrated an unexpected shift in social dynamics post-disaster, leading to increased tolerance and resource sharing. A recent study published in Science1 reveals that this newfound sociability significantly boosted their survival rates. The Impact of Hurricane Maria on Cayo Santiago Cayo Santiago, often referred to ..read more

Wild chimpanzees in Uganda have been observed consuming plants with pain-relieving and antibacterial properties to heal themselves, according to a recent study. This discovery not only highlights the chimps' sophisticated use of natural resources but also opens potential pathways to novel human medicines. Observing Self-Medication in the Wild Scientists conducted extensive "detective work" in Uganda's Budongo Central Forest Reserve, observing chimpanzees that appeared injured or sick. They meticulously tracked these animals to determine whether they were self-medicating with specific plants. W ..read more

Recent fossil discoveries in Europe are reshaping our understanding of great ape evolution. In a significant find, two distinct lines of ancient apes have been identified in a Bavarian clay pit, revealing that Europe was once a diverse habitat for great apes. This marks the first time different species of ape, each with unique body structures and diets, have been found coexisting outside of Africa. Danuvius guggenmosi: The Upright Walker Germany’s Hammerschmiede site has been a treasure trove of ancient ape fossils. Among the most notable discoveries is Danuvius guggenmosi, an extinct great ap ..read more

In a remarkable display of ingenuity and self-care, an orangutan named Rakus has captured the attention1 of scientists by using a medicinal plant to treat a wound—an unprecedented behavior observed in the wild. This groundbreaking discovery sheds new light on the remarkable abilities of animals to harness the healing properties of nature. Unveiling Nature's Pharmacy: Rakus' Remarkable Discovery Rakus, an adult male orangutan, was observed plucking and chewing leaves from a tropical plant known for its medicinal properties. With a keen instinct for self-preservation, Rakus then applied the plan ..read more

The white-faced capuchin monkeys of Coiba National Park, Panama, have emerged as unexpected practitioners of stone tool use, offering a unique opportunity for primate archaeology in real-time. This fascinating discovery sheds light on the evolution of tool use among non-human primates and poses intriguing questions about its origins and transmission. A Botanist's Discovery Leads to New Frontiers in Archaeology In 2004, Alicia Ibáñez, a botanist exploring Coiba National Park, observed white-faced capuchin monkeys using rocks to crack open sea almonds. This seemingly mundane observation sparked ..read more

Bonobos, often hailed as the peaceful cousins of chimpanzees, reveal a more complex reality as new research1 uncovers patterns of aggression among these fascinating primates. Bonobos at the Kokolopori Bonobo Reserve in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Photograph: Martin Surbeck/Kokolopori Bonobo Research Proje/AFP/Getty Images Dr. Maud Mouginot of Boston University, lead author of the study, challenges the simplistic notion of bonobos as pacifists: "It’s a species with such complex behavior that just limiting the species to being a hippy, for this study it’s not going to work." In a g ..read more

Humans often think of themselves as unique in their behaviors, but a recent study1 reveals that great apes share some of our more mischievous tendencies. Footage captured at San Diego and Leipzig zoos unveils the playful yet sometimes vexing antics of young chimps, orangutans, bonobos, and gorillas. Young orangutan tugging on its mother's hair. Image credit: BOS Foundation BPI. Insights from the Study Researchers meticulously analyzed 75 hours of footage and documented 142 instances of great apes engaging in teasing behavior. Most of these instances were initiated by juveniles aged three to ..read more