Primatologists have recorded and examined both previously noted and newly observed instances of self-administered and socially oriented wound care, snare removal, and potential medicinal hygiene behaviors within the Sonso and Waibira chimpanzee communities of the Budonggo forests in Uganda. They documented self-directed wound care actions, such as licking wounds, slapping leaves, pushing fingers against wounds, applying plant material to injuries, and successfully removing snares. The researchers also noted self-guided hygiene behaviors, including cleaning genital areas with koital leaves and wiping foliage post-defense.
“Our research sheds light on the evolutionary origins of human medicine and healthcare systems,” stated the first author of the study, Dr. Elodie Freyman, a researcher at Oxford University.
“By observing how chimpanzees identify and utilize medicinal plants to care for others, we can gain valuable insights into the cognitive and social foundations of human medical practices.”
Dr. Freyman and his team focused their study on the Sonso and Waibira chimpanzee communities in Budonggo forest.
Like all chimpanzees, individuals in these communities face injuries from various causes, including human-instigated fights, accidents, or snares.
Approximately 40% of all Sonso individuals are observed with snare injuries.
The researchers dedicated four months to each community’s observation, employing video evidence from a comprehensive APE dictionary database, a logbook filled with decades of observational data, and research gathered by other scientists who have witnessed chimpanzees treating injuries and illnesses.
Chimpanzees have been noted to use specific plants for external treatment. Some have been identified to possess chemical properties that enhance wound healing and traditional medicinal applications.
During their field observations, scientists noted 12 injuries at Sonso, all likely resulting from group conflicts.
In Wyvila, five chimpanzees were documented as injured—one female from a snare and four males from combat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Amnbsz6uvfq
Researchers also recognized that care was provided for their offspring rather than Waibira.
“This may be influenced by factors like variations in social hierarchy stability and greater observation opportunities in the well-acquainted Sonso community,” noted Dr. Freyman.
The scientists recorded a total of 41 care instances: seven instances of prosocial care and 34 instances of self-care.
These instances frequently involved various care behaviors, whether addressing different aspects of a wound or indicating the chimpanzee’s personal preferences.
“Chimpanzee wound care involves several techniques, which can remove debris and apply potentially antibacterial substances, possibly even antibiotics from their saliva.”
“All chimpanzees documented in our study exhibited recovery from their wounds, yet we are unable to determine the outcome had they chosen not to address their injuries.”
“We also recorded hygienic behaviors such as using leaves to clean the genitals post-mating and wiping the anus with leaves after defecation—practices that serve to prevent infections.”
Among the seven instances of prosocial care, the researchers noted four instances of wound treatment, two instances of assistance in snare removal, and one instance involving hygiene help for another chimpanzee.
Care was administered without preference towards a specific gender or age group. Attention was given to genetically unrelated individuals in four cases.
“These behaviors contribute to evidence from other areas where chimpanzees appear to acknowledge the needs and sufferings of others and take deliberate actions to alleviate them, even in the absence of direct genetic advantages,” Dr. Freyman stated.
The research team intends to delve deeper into the social and ecological contexts in which care is provided and which individuals are recipients of such care.
“There are some methodological limitations in our study,” Dr. Freyman added.
“The disparity in familiarity between the Sonso and Waibira communities introduces observational bias, particularly regarding rare behaviors like prosocial healthcare.”
“We have documented the plants used in healthcare contexts, but further pharmacological exploration is necessary to confirm their specific medicinal characteristics and efficacy.”
“The relative rarity of prosocial healthcare also complicates the process of identifying patterns related to when and why such care is provided, or when it is withheld.”
“These challenges underscore future research avenues in this burgeoning field.”
Study published in the journal Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution.
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Elodie Freymann et al. 2025. Self-direction and prosocial wound care, snare removal, and hygienic behavior among Budongo chimpanzees. Front. Ecol. Evol. 13; doi:10.3389/fevo.2025.154092
Source: www.sci.news
