Gibraltar Macaques' Soil-Eating Behavior Linked to Tourist Feeding
Study published in Scientific Reports reveals macaques' soil-eating behavior.
Cambridge researchers observed 46 dirt-eating events among 44 macaques over 98 days (summer 2022–spring 2024).
Higher rates linked to frequent human contact.
Dr. Sylvain Lemoine explains tourist snacks are high in calories, sugar, salt, and dairy, unlike the herbs and insects macaques usually eat.
Soil provides a gut barrier, limiting harmful compounds and offering bacteria and minerals not in processed foods.
Behavior is culturally learned, with different troops preferring specific soil types.
Researchers suggest stricter rules against tourist feeding.
4 days ago