Tool-using animals

Our pick of 10 species that exhibit this special skill

- Leoma Williams

1. Chimpanzee

Aside from humans, chimpanzees are thought to show the greatest diversity of tool-use behaviour in the animal kingdom. These intelligent primates use twigs to fish for termites and to extract larvae from tree bark and honey from beehives. Plus, they crack nuts with rocks, crush up leaves to use as sponges and even wield objects as weapons and in aggressive displays.

2. Capuchin monkey 

Tool-use has been most extensively studied within primates, but among monkeys, capuchins are particularly skilled. They frequently use rocks to smash open hard fruit and nuts, selecting the best tools for the job based on weight and durability.

3. New Caledonian crow 

Not only do these corvids regularly use stick tools for ‘extractive foraging’, but they also trim and bend twigs, leaves and sometimes wires with their beaks to form hooked tools that are perfect for pulling larvae out of tree bark. The ability to create tools for specific purposes is rare and considered indicative of advanced motor skills, as well as cognitive abilities such as future planning and insight.

4. Kea