抄録
The objective of this 18-month study was to provide the first detailed report of geophagy for (Papio cynocephalus ursinus), chacma baboons, inhabitating the Western Cape, South Africa. Geophagy, the deliberate consumption of soil, is widespread in the animal kingdom and has been documented in 26% of all primate species. The most common functions of geophagy for animals are alleviation of gastro-intestinal distress and mineral supplementation. Trap cameras were used to document geophagic behavior at four of five known clay sites for a 115+ member troop of baboons. We will discuss trap cameras, soil analyses and investigating not only the possible benefits of geophagy, but how soil can also negatively affect health.
