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Study: Gibraltar Macaques Eat Soil to Combat Junk Food

4/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A Cambridge University study finds Barbary macaques in Gibraltar learned to eat soil to ease stomach issues from junk food.
Researchers observed that macaques with more tourist contact ate more soil, especially during peak seasons.
The soil may protect digestion from high sugar and fat in snacks and appears to reflect an emerging culture.
Experts urge reducing human food provisioning to manage macaque health.

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Story summary

A Cambridge University study finds Barbary macaques in Gibraltar learned to eat soil to ease stomach issues from junk food.
Researchers observed that macaques with more tourist contact ate more soil, especially during peak seasons.
The soil may protect digestion from high sugar and fat in snacks and appears to reflect an emerging culture.
Experts urge reducing human food provisioning to manage macaque health.