Plants Used by African Elephants to Treat Diseases
A new scientific study showed that African elephants consume specific plants when they fall ill and also treat their calves.
Research conducted in the Mount Elgon region of western Kenya has revealed that African elephants utilize specific plant species to cure various ailments, and mother elephants pass these plants on to their calves.
Research Process on Mount Elgon
Within the scope of studies conducted in cooperation with various universities and the Mount Elgon Foundation conservation organization, detailed interviews were held with individuals living in the Mount Elgon region of western Kenya who work with elephants.
Diversity of Plants Used
In line with the information obtained, researchers determined that elephants benefit from thirty-five different plant species when experiencing health problems, and twenty-five of these are also used for medicinal purposes by the local people in the region.
Feeding Calves with Plants
A wildlife officer noted that elephants chew the leaves of the Angurweet plant, which is used in treating ailments such as stomachaches, along with certain tree roots to make a mixture, and give this to calves with breast milk.
Importance of Natural Medicinal Resources
Dr. Elodie Freymann from Brown University, one of the lead authors of the study, raised the question that the destruction of forest habitats could deprive animals and humans of natural medicinal resources.
Future Research Plans
Scientists stated that they are continuing their studies to examine how elephants select plants for different health problems and the biological properties of these plants.