Text by Lena Heckennast, Based on information from Alain Labelle
Did you know that humans are not the only mammals Pick your nose?
No less than twelve species of primates practice rhinoplasty, just like humans! These species include gorillas, chimpanzees, and macaques. The newest animal to join the club: aye-aye!
The aye-aye is a nocturnal lemur, from Madagascar. This is also the only place where nature can be found.
Marked by Her big yellow eyes that allow him to see in the dark, long teeth that grow throughout his life and Two very long fingers.
You better poke me in the nose, baby
The eye especially uses its fingers to fetch caterpillars and insects from trees.
Recent observations show that the oculus also uses its middle finger to pick its nose and eat the mucus that comes out. His middle finger is so long it can even be pushed down his throat!
Why only primates?
According to the observations of many scientists, animals that insert their fingers into their noses have greater ingenuitythat is, they have an easier time controlling the movement of their hands.
Primates are among the most dexterous animals. So this is presumably why they were able to clean their noses in this way.
Some primates even use it twigs or other tools to pick their noses, especially since their fingers are too big to fit through their nostrils.
Like Ma even if this practice is not seen as socially acceptable, it is more prevalent than we think!
