The Vervet monkey was brought to the Caribbean about 300 years ago and has become known for snatching alcoholic beverages from unsuspecting vacationers. The up side is that the alcohol-loving monkeys’ party-snatching behavior may give scientists a clue about alcoholism in humans.
Researchers have found that the Vervet monkey, like its human counterpart, is usually a social drinker, but as many as 15 percent drink heavily, and 5 percent are binge drinkers who consume alcohol to drunkenness, start brawls and pass out.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Primate Alcoholism Research
- Opportunity to gain insights into alcoholism in humans by studying the drinking behaviors of Vervet monkeys.
- Social Drinking in Primates
- Opportunity to explore the sociability aspect of drinking and its effects on primate behavior.
- Prevalence of Binge Drinking in Primates
- Opportunity to investigate and understand the triggers and consequences of binge drinking in Vervet monkeys.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Pharmaceuticals
- Investigate potential drug candidates for treating alcoholism in humans, based on insights gained from primate alcoholism research.
- Behavioral Therapy
- Develop new approaches for addressing binge drinking and social drinking behaviors in humans, based on research on primate alcoholism.
- Tourism
- Develop strategies for preventing Vervet monkeys from stealing drinks from tourists, based on behavioral insights gained from studying their drinking patterns.
