Davinder Josephson Blog 1 - Gorilla Doctors

Davinder Josephson

Dr. Feldblum

Primate Conservation

13 February 2025

Gorilla Doctors


Image by Guerrero De la Luz via Pexels

A recent study published by the Public Library of Science revealed incredible self-medicating behavior within gorilla populations in Moukalaba-Doudou National Park, Gabon. For decades, scientists have hypothesized why non-human primates are able to resist, endure, and carry dangerous viruses that would kill humans, such as yellow fever and monkey pox, without becoming severely ill. Many speculate that primates have naturally heighted immune systems that prevent such diseases from becoming deadly, while others suggest that long-term exposure to these viruses has protected primate populations. 

The study, conducted by 13 primate researchers, worked to collaborate with the local indigenous community in Gabon, the Vingu people, in order to determine similarities in medicinal plant consumption between local gorilla and human populations. The scientists tested the bark of the plants that the Vingu people consumed and found that such flora contained advanced antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Local gorilla communities were observed to regularly consume these same, distinct plants as well, which likely strengthens and reinforces their immune systems. 


Indigenous Peoples of Gabon - Image by Emmanuel Mve Mebia 

This study has important implications for global health developments and suggests we can improve human medicinal practices, plant treatments, and healing techniques by observing the ecological behavior of immune gorilla populations. Importantly, the indigenous communities in Gabon and gorilla populations coexist and utilize similar habitats, resources, and environments. As a result, they have developed similar medicinal practices and preservation strategies. Therefore, it is essential that we work to conserve these areas of coexistence for both human and gorilla survival, as well as for the purpose of inter-species learning. Finally, this study reinforces the narrative that indigenous community lifestyles and practices serve to assist in conservation efforts and breakthroughs. It is vital that we continue to collaborate with such communities to understand not only their relationship with local wildlife, but also their health applications in an ecological sense. 

References

Location: FJJJ+HV Camp de Mouramda, Gabon

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