Wild Health

How do animals keep themselves well in the wild? Folklore and traditional medicine have long laid claim to feats of self-medication by animals but, until recently, scientists have dismissed such stories as romantic anthropomorphism. This is now changing as more and more scientists uncover examples of insects, birds and mammals self- medicating their ills. Chimpanzees carefully select bitter-tasting anti- parasitic plant 'medicines' that counter intestinal parasites and elephants roam miles to find the clay which counters dietary toxins. This book explores the behavioural strategies animals use to maintain health. Many of these methods can be exploited to improve the health of animals in our care. By observing wild health we may even discover (or rediscover) ways to benefit our own health.