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Adsorptive capacity of charcoals eaten by Zanzibar red colobus monkeys: Implications for reducing dietary toxins

Publication ,  Journal Article
Cooney, DO; Struhsaker, TT
Published in: International Journal of Primatology
January 1, 1997

Colobus monkeys on the African island of Zanzibar eat charcoal from burned trees and lying near kilns, where it is produced for cooking. This behavior may be a learned response for counteracting toxicity due to phenolic and similar compounds that occur in significant concentrations in the Indian almond (Terminalia catappa) leaves and mango (Mangifera indica) leaves which constitute a major part of their diet. Accordingly, we studied the adsorption of organic materials from hot water extracts of Indian almond and mango leaves by five charcoals collected in Zanzibar. For comparison, we also evaluated three commercial powdered activated charcoals. Three African charcoals collected at kilns adsorbed more organic material than two kinds collected from burned tree stumps. The commercial activated charcoals adsorbed the organic material best, as expected, yet the African kiln charcoals adsorbed surprisingly well. Thus, the hypothesized function of charcoal eating is supported.

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Published In

International Journal of Primatology

DOI

ISSN

0164-0291

Publication Date

January 1, 1997

Volume

18

Issue

2

Start / End Page

235 / 246

Related Subject Headings

  • Behavioral Science & Comparative Psychology
  • 3109 Zoology
  • 0608 Zoology
 

Citation

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Cooney, D. O., & Struhsaker, T. T. (1997). Adsorptive capacity of charcoals eaten by Zanzibar red colobus monkeys: Implications for reducing dietary toxins. International Journal of Primatology, 18(2), 235–246. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026324703410
Cooney, D. O., and T. T. Struhsaker. “Adsorptive capacity of charcoals eaten by Zanzibar red colobus monkeys: Implications for reducing dietary toxins.” International Journal of Primatology 18, no. 2 (January 1, 1997): 235–46. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026324703410.
Cooney DO, Struhsaker TT. Adsorptive capacity of charcoals eaten by Zanzibar red colobus monkeys: Implications for reducing dietary toxins. International Journal of Primatology. 1997 Jan 1;18(2):235–46.
Cooney, D. O., and T. T. Struhsaker. “Adsorptive capacity of charcoals eaten by Zanzibar red colobus monkeys: Implications for reducing dietary toxins.” International Journal of Primatology, vol. 18, no. 2, Jan. 1997, pp. 235–46. Scopus, doi:10.1023/A:1026324703410.
Cooney DO, Struhsaker TT. Adsorptive capacity of charcoals eaten by Zanzibar red colobus monkeys: Implications for reducing dietary toxins. International Journal of Primatology. 1997 Jan 1;18(2):235–246.
Journal cover image

Published In

International Journal of Primatology

DOI

ISSN

0164-0291

Publication Date

January 1, 1997

Volume

18

Issue

2

Start / End Page

235 / 246

Related Subject Headings

  • Behavioral Science & Comparative Psychology
  • 3109 Zoology
  • 0608 Zoology