Starting fresh on Bluesky 💙

Barbary macaque moms have a curious behaviour: self-suckling 🍼 Dr. Hawks explores this rare phenomenon--possibly to regulate milk flow or cope after infant loss. Reasons are still hypothetical, but you can read more here: 🔗

RT @inandsight: 1/10 🐒 Exciting new findings on primate behaviour! Observations of primates consuming their own breast milk are rare, but o…

10/ 10🗒️ Dive deeper into the study here 🔗:

6/10💡 Theories suggest self-suckling might alleviate discomfort from excess milk or maintain prolactin levels, aiding the immune system and milk flow. It's surprising this behaviour isn't more common given breast milk's high caloric content.

5/ 10 -This behaviour is not unique to macaques. There’s a brief report of a wild chimpanzee mother self-suckling following her infant's death, suggesting a potential coping mechanism or physiological need. 🔗:

3/10 🐵 Native to the Atlas Mountains in Algeria and Morocco, Barbary macaques, are the only species of macaque found outside Asia. These primates are known for their social complexity and strong maternal bonds. Males also often help care for young, a rare trait among primates.

2/10 🤔 Self-suckling has been documented in dairy goats but only rarely in primates. This study offers new insight. 🔗:

(10/10)🔬 This study highlights the need for more research on male elephant sociality. Understanding these dynamics can improve the welfare of captive elephants and inform conservation strategies worldwide. 🔗