Bark stripping by chacma baboons (Papio hamadryas ursinus) as a possible prophylactic measure in a pine plantation in eastern Zimbabwe

摘要

The hypothesis that pine (Pinus patula) bark consumption by chacma baboons (Papio hamadryas ursinus) as a form of self-medication against coughing was investigated at Erin Forest in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe. A baboon troop resident in the plantation that is known for bark stripping (between 25 and 35 individuals) was monitored 5 days per month between December 2006 and July 2007. A significant difference in the mean number of coughing baboons and bark stripping baboons was observed between the winter and summer. The mean temperature was also significantly lower in the winter than in the summer. The mean temperature was negatively correlated with the number of bark stripping baboons and the number of coughing baboons. The number of bark stripping baboons had a weak positive relationship with the number of coughing individuals. In baboon faeces examined, pine bark was not detected in the summer and winter.