Wild Chimpanzees Spotted Sharing 'Fermented Fruits' in a Social Gathering
Just as people drink alcohol to strengthen their bonds, wild chimpanzees have been observed sharing naturally fermented fruits containing alcohol in the wild.
On the 21st (local time), American science media Phys.org reported that researchers at the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom published an analysis in the international journal Current Biology stating that wild chimpanzees share fermented fruits to form social bonds.
The research team filmed a group of wild chimpanzees consuming naturally fermented fruits ten times in the Cantanhez Forest in Guinea-Bissau.
The alcohol content of the fruits was measured at up to 0.61% ABV.
They pointed out, "The confirmed alcohol concentration is relatively low and may only be 'the tip of the iceberg,' as 60-85% of the chimpanzees' diet consists of fruits. Therefore, even a small amount of alcohol from various fruits can result in significant alcohol consumption."
Additionally, they mentioned, "Genes that break down alcohol have been found in a common ancestor of African apes, suggesting that the consumption of fermented fruits by primate species, including humans and chimpanzees, may have originated in ancient times."
However, a previous study in 2015 already reported that chimpanzees consume alcohol (3%), so the focus of the current research team was on the act of 'sharing' itself.
The team stated, "This observation provides the first evidence that non-human primates shared food containing ethanol and supports the idea that human alcohol use has deep historical roots rather than being a 'recent' development."
Current Biology
However, they noted that to understand this in a social context, evidence of alcohol consumption for enhancing intimacy and data related to the intention behind alcohol intake are needed.
Dr. Kimberley J. Hockings, a primatologist at the University of Exeter, analyzed the phenomenon, stating, "Chimpanzees do not always share food, so the act of 'sharing' fermented fruits may be significant."
She added, "We need to investigate whether chimpanzees intentionally seek out fruits containing alcohol and how they are used, but the behavior of sharing alcohol may be an early evolutionary stage of 'feasting.'"
Anna C. Bowland from the Exeter Conservation Center remarked, "It is well-known that alcohol consumption in humans promotes the release of dopamine and endorphins, leading to feelings of happiness and relaxation. We should explore whether chimpanzees can feel something similar in terms of forming social bonds through sharing alcohol."
Image source: current biology
