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Fatal aggression in chimps is "natural"
chimps
Primatologists have long been divided over the root of intergroup aggression.
Major study finds chimp killings are not the result of human intervention

Lethal aggression among chimpanzees is not due to human interference, but a result of natural competition, according to a major new study.

Primatologists have long been divided over the root of this behaviour. Some have argued it is down to intervention by humans, for example artificial feeding or habitat destruction.

According to new findings published in the journal Nature, however, it appears these killings are part of the chimp's natural behavioural repertoire and occur regardless of human intervention.

Co-author Ian Gilby from the Arizona State University (ASU), said: "This study debunks the idea that lethal aggression among wild chimpanzees is an aberrant behaviour caused by human disturbances, like artificial feeding or habitat loss."

More than 30 scientists collaborated on the research, which involved compiling data from 18 chimps and four bonobo communities spanning five decades. The study is the first ever attempt to determine whether killing is a result of human impact or an evolved strategy to improve access to territory, food and mates.

After studying 152 killings, scientists concluded the behaviour is natural, occurring regardless of humans.

Bonobo monkeys, however, were not observed killing other bonobos, whatever the level of human intervention.

ASU scientist Joan Silk wrote a companion piece for the research in Nature. In it she says perceptions of primate behaviour, particularly chimps, is distorted, so that “morally desirable features, such as empathy and altruism, have deep evolutionary roots, whereas undesirable features, such as group-level violence and sexual coercion, do not.”

However the data shows "there are some circumstances in which the benefits of lethal aggression exceed the costs for chimpanzees, nothing more."

Find the full research on Nature: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v513/n7518/full/nature13727.html

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.