Researchers working with the University of Zurich found that the largest wild herbivores in many parts of Africa have limited access to sodium. The team combined detailed maps of plant sodium with information on animal populations and with fecal analyses. Sodium deficiency shows up in feces, so the tests helped the researchers understand actual sodium intake.
The shortage is especially common for very large plant-eating animals, called megaherbivores (very large herbivores). The study names elephants, giraffes and rhinos as examples. The paper also gives examples of behaviour: in Kenya elephants enter caves to reach salty rock and in the Congo elephants dig in riverbeds for salt.
The researchers say sodium limits probably work together with overhunting and poor soil fertility. They warn that human-made salt spots can bring animals closer to people.
Difficult words
- herbivore — An animal that eats mainly plantsherbivores
- sodium — A mineral animals need in their diet
- deficiency — A lack or shortage of something needed
- feces — Solid waste that animals leave after eating
- megaherbivore — A very large plant-eating animalmegaherbivores
- overhunting — Too much hunting of wild animals by people
- fertility — How good the soil is for plant growth
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever seen animals lick salt or salty rocks?
- What problems might happen if wild animals come near people?
- How could people help large plant-eating animals get sodium safely?
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