In an interview with scientist Elodie Freymann, intriguing stories emerged about African elephants in Kenya’s Mount Elgon region. These stories include observations of elephants consuming medicinal plants and mothers feeding such plants to their calves.

Freymann, studying self-medication in animals, expressed no surprise at the elephants’ behavior, given their intelligence and societal complexity. A recent study co-authored by Freymann and published in the journal Nature highlights the diverse range of medicinal plants utilized by Mount Elgon elephants, emphasizing the importance of preserving the biodiversity crucial for these intelligent creatures.

The study, based on interviews with members of the local Sabaot community who have extensive experience with the elephants, revealed instances of elephants seeking out specific plants when feeling unwell and mothers passing on medicinal plants to their young. Of the plants mentioned, most are traditionally used for medicinal purposes locally, with several having known pharmacological properties.

While the findings provide valuable insights, more research is necessary to definitively confirm whether elephants are intentionally self-medicating. Chase LaDue, an elephant ecologist not involved in the study, noted that further evidence is required to establish the elephants’ deliberate use of medicinal plants.

Freymann emphasized the significance of local knowledge in guiding research efforts and stressed the need to respect and incorporate indigenous perspectives. The study serves as a foundation for future investigations, including the analysis of footage capturing elephants consuming these plants.

If substantiated, the elephants’ self-medication practices would align them with other animals, such as chimpanzees, great apes, insects, and birds, known to exhibit similar behaviors. Freymann underscored the critical role of biodiversity in providing animals with essential resources, including medicinal plants, particularly in the face of environmental changes and habitat loss.