Local people say Mount Elgon elephants may use 35 plants.

Local people say wild elephants in Kenya’s Mount Elgon region may use 35 kinds of plants, including some for medicine. They also report that mothers give plant material to their calves. Scientists have not yet confirmed every account, so they need to check the reports.

The study, led by Dr Fabien Schultz, is based on interviews with eight people who know the elephants, including wildlife workers and community elders. They described 39 things elephants may use: 35 plants and four types of soil, rock or clay. Local people use 34 of those 39 things as medicine, and 25 were named as medicine for elephants. Researchers relied on the people’s observations so they would not disturb wild herds.

One wildlife scout reported that mothers gave calves a plant called Angurweet, which local people use for stomach pain. Other reports say mothers chew plant material and mix it with milk for their calves. Scientists have not yet filmed this behavior or learned whether the plants help. Local wildlife experts now use cameras, while researchers test the plants in a lab.

Dr Elodie Freymann, a researcher, said, “Our job as scientists is now to start asking the right questions.” The findings matter because local people also use many of the same plants and other things as medicine. If the forest is damaged, elephants and people may lose access to things they use for health. Protecting Mount Elgon’s forest may help keep these things available.