Wild Health: How Animals Keep Themselves Well and What We Can Learn

Until recently though scientists have been reluctant to accept these stories, dismissing them as romantic anthropomorphism. But things are changing as more and more scientists uncover examples of insects, birds and mammals self-medicating their ills. Monkeys, bears, coatis and birds protect themselves from insect bites and fungal infections by rubbing medicinal plants and insects into their skin. Chimpanzees carefully select anti-parasitic medicines to deal with parasites. Elephants roam miles to find the clay they need to help counter dietary toxins and birds line their nests with pungent medicinal leaves and so improve their chicks' chances of survival. This book reveals an overview of the emerging science of "zoopharmacognosy" and describes strategies that can be used to improve the health of animals in our care.