New evolution of rainforest chimpanzees when they know how to dig wells to get drinking water
A team of researchers at the University of Kent, UK, has found that chimpanzees in the rainforest have learned to dig wells to access cleaner water.
Such behavior is uncommon in the animal kingdom and some species have been observed digging for water mainly in hot, dry areas. This is the first time that well-digging behavior has been observed in rainforest chimpanzees.
The study focused on chimpanzees living in the rainforest in Uganda’s Waibira community.
An immigrant female chimp named Onyofi was the first to be found digging a well. Experts added that this female chimp is very proficient. Most likely it may have grown up in a community that knew how to dig wells.
An immigrant female chimp named Onyofi was the first to be found digging a well. Experts added that this female chimp is very proficient. Most likely it may have grown up in a community that knew how to dig wells.
Onyofi is carefully watched by both young chimpanzees and other adults as it digs. This suggests that the female chimp was the first to bring the idea to the chimpanzee community in Waibira.
The researchers added that Onyofi’s well dug received great support from others. Many other chimpanzees drank water directly from that well.
