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Early human speech linked to orangutans
orangutan
"It has been presumed that sounds made by great apes are driven by arousal over which they have no control, but our research proves that orangutans have the potential capacity to control the action of their voices" (stock photo)
Research shows orangutans' ability to learn sounds and control aspects of voice

International research has revealed major links between the evolution of human speech and voice control in orangutans.

Rocky, an 11-year-old orangutan, was studied at Indianapolis Zoo, between April and May 2012, during which time researchers went to great lengths not to disrupt his regular routine.

The team encouraged Rocky (who was eight years old at the time) to play an imitation game, through which he would copy the pitch and tone of vowel-like calls and sounds made by researchers. Rocky’s ability to mimic the random sounds, with the varied tones and pitches, reveal a level of voice control unknown in orangutans, until now.

Rocky’s sounds were compared with a database of over 12,000 sounds made by both captive and wild orangutans. Based on this comparison researchers were able to conclude that Rocky’s sounds were different to any of those heard on the database, therefore showing that he was able to control his voice in a conversational context and learn new sounds.
 
Dr Adriano Lameira, lead author of the study, stated: "Instead of learning new sounds, it has been presumed that sounds made by great apes are driven by arousal over which they have no control, but our research proves that orangutans have the potential capacity to control the action of their voices.

"This indicates that the voice control shown by humans could derive from an evolutionary ancestor with similar voice control capacities as those found in orangutans and in all great apes more generally."
 
Professor Serge Wich, of the University of Amsterdam, added: "Our findings indicate that the excellent vocal control that humans exhibit likely derives from an evolutionary ancestor with similar capacities in terms of voice control as those found in orangutans, and possibly in all great apes more generally.

"Based on these findings, science can now start to reconstruct the vocal capacities of an early hominid, estimated to have lived before the split between the orangutan and the human lineages, and examine the following steps in the evolution of the vocal system towards full-blown speech."

 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.