Gibraltar's monkeys find clever way to avoid junk food bellyache

Reporting from Gibraltar, this piece delves into a fascinating adaptation by the local Barbary macaque population, as documented by researchers. The Jerusalem Post highlights how these unique European monkeys, living in close proximity to tourists, have developed a novel way to cope with the less-than-ideal diet they often receive – by consuming soil.

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We propose the idea that human food, being not adapted to their natural diet, triggers upset stomachs, and potentially microbiome disruption, of which negative effects are buffered by the soil components

This behavior, known as geophagy, is particularly interesting given the macaques' access to human snacks like chocolate and crisps, which are high in sugar, fat, and low in fiber. Lead author Sylvain Lemoine from the University of Cambridge suggests that the soil acts as a buffer, potentially alleviating stomach upset and microbiome disruption caused by these unnatural foods. The comparison to antacids in humans provides a relatable context for this unusual coping mechanism.

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likely acts as antacids

The article also touches upon the historical significance of the Barbary macaques in Gibraltar, noting their status as a symbol of British control and their lineage tracing back to reinforcements ordered by Winston Churchill. While the scientific focus is on their soil-eating habits as a response to tourist-provided junk food, the broader context of these animals as a unique, free-ranging population in Europe adds another layer of interest. This observation offers a unique glimpse into animal behavior and adaptation in human-influenced environments, a story that resonates particularly with those who observe the daily interactions between humans and wildlife in places like Gibraltar.

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We don't know the exact action of soil within the gut, but soils, particularly those rich in clay, are known to alleviate gut pH (acidity), adsorb toxins, plaster the stomach and modify microbiome composition