Pigs spotted using TOOLS to build nests in world first
PIGS have been observed using sticks as tools to dig and build nests. The creatures aren’t known for their sophisticated use of tools but this example of intelligence could be evidence that their intellect has been underestimated. According to a study in the journal Mammalian Biology, researchers observed a family of endangered Visayans warty pigs […]
PIGS have been observed using sticks as tools to dig and build nests.
The creatures aren’t known for their sophisticated use of tools but this example of intelligence could be evidence that their intellect has been underestimated.
According to a study in the journal Mammalian Biology, researchers observed a family of endangered Visayans warty pigs using sticks for their own benefit.
This behaviour has never been observed before.
Co-author of the study, Meredith Root-Bernstein, witnessed a pig called Priscilla digging with a stick at a zoo in Paris.
Priscilla’s behaviour was so amazing that Bernstein brought a team of researchers in to conduct experiments with pigs over several years.
Bernstein revealed in the study that Priscilla would “deposit some leaves, move them to a different spot on the mound, and dig a bit with her nose.
“At one point she picked up a flat piece of bark about 10 cm x 40 cm that was lying on that mound, and holding it in her mouth, used it to dig, lifting and pushing the soil backwards, quite energetically and rapidly.”
Priscilla’s mate Billie also dug with sticks but his efforts were more clumsy than the female members of the group.
The researchers did observe that digging with a stick was less efficient for the pigs than digging with their hooves or snouts.
However, they think that the creatures might have enjoyed using new tools.
The study couldn’t determine why the pigs kept digging.
It is likely the behaviour was passed on to Priscilla’s offspring as they observed her because the warty pigs live in close family units.
The findings could teach us more about cognitive evolution and how different creatures manipulate the environments around them.
Smartest animals in the world
Here's a few of the most clever creatures...
- Chimps – chimps hunt, make and use tools and have genomes that are 98% similar to our own
- Humans – as humans we have the ability to learn, reason and solve problems but we often forget we’re just animals too
- Pigs – despite their reputation for being dirty, pigs are actually smart, clean and can learn tasks as quickly as chimpanzees
- Dogs – they’re mans best friend but they are also intelligent enough to help the blind, work for the army and the police and so much more
- Crows – these birds know how to use tools to reach for food and can manipulate other crows
- Dolphins – these mammals also use tools and potentially have their own language
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