The first time chimpanzees catch crabs to eat in the wild

The researchers observed chimpanzees in Guinea catching mud crabs and regularly eating these delicious crustaceans to replenish nutrients.

The research team at Kyoto University, Japan, found wild chimp in the rainforest of Mount Nimba in Guinea that has the habit of catching and eating crab meat, not opportunistic action or other scarce food sources. This is the first time crab hunting behavior has been observed in a non-human primates. In a report published in Human Evolution, scientists said the study could help to understand how and when human ancestors began eating seafood.

Chimp for freshwater crabs beneath the rock.

Millions of years ago, early human food sources were very similar to today's chimpanzees, mainly fruits, nuts and plants. About 2.6 million years ago, they started eating meat, but there is evidence that people put aquatic animals into diets like turtles, crocodiles and fish 1.95 million years ago to help provide Essential compounds for brain development. This plays an important role in the evolution of the larger brain.

"The underwater fauna consumed by our ancestors certainly provides the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids needed to optimize the development and function of the brain," said Kathelijne Koops, lead author of research, said.

The team first observed chimpanzees catching crabs along the lagoon in the rain forest in 2012. They monitored the behavior of chimpanzees for two years, recording chimpanzees and lifting the rock and using their hands to plow the mud. to find delicious crustaceans. They also compared the nutritional value of crab with other available foods.

Researchers found crab catching behavior throughout the year, regardless of whether it is an abundant season or other source of food. Chimpanzees also tend to eat less ants, their favorite foods, indicating crabs have a similar or better role in chimp's diet.

"Energy and sodium in large crabs are equivalent to ants, making us hypothesize that crabs are an important source of protein and salt year-round for female chimpanzees, especially during pregnancy or raising children, and for those with immature chimpanzees , " explains Koops.

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