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Combined Size and Density Fractionation of Soils for Investigations of Organo-Mineral Interactions
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Mineral Acquisition from Clay by Budongo Forest Chimpanzees
Vernon Reynolds1, Andrew W Lloyd2, Christopher J English2
1School of Anthropology, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom; Budongo Conservation Field Station, Masindi, Uganda.
Plos One
|July 29, 2015
Summary
Sonso chimpanzees consume mineral-rich clay and termite soil, especially using leaf sponges. This geophagy is crucial for nutrient intake, particularly after the loss of a key palm resource.
Area of Science:
- Primate behavior
- Zoology
- Nutritional ecology
Background:
- Chimpanzees in Budongo Forest, Uganda, exhibit geophagy (eating soil).
- Clay and termite mound soil are significant dietary components for the Sonso community.
- The availability of mineral sources has changed due to the disappearance of Raphia farinifera palm pith.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the mineral content of geophagic materials consumed by Sonso chimpanzees.
- To assess the contribution of geophagy to the chimpanzees' mineral intake.
- To understand the implications of changing resource availability on geophagic practices.
Main Methods:
- Observation of chimpanzee feeding behaviors, including clay and water consumption.
- Collection and chemical analysis of clay, clay-water, and termite mound soil samples.
- Analysis of mineral composition, including identification of aluminium as kaolinite.
Main Results:
- Clay, clay-water, and termite soil provide various minerals in differing concentrations.
- Aluminium in consumed clay indicates the presence of kaolinite.
- Clay ingested via leaf sponges is particularly rich in minerals.
- Termite mound soil is also a significant source of minerals.
Conclusions:
- Geophagy, especially using leaf sponges, is a vital strategy for Sonso chimpanzees to obtain essential minerals.
- The practice is important in compensating for the loss of the Raphia farinifera palm as a mineral source.
- Understanding geophagy provides insights into primate adaptation to environmental changes and nutritional needs.
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