Orangutan Using Medicinal Plant to Treat Wound

 

Scientists Observe Orangutan Using Medicinal Plant to Treat Wound in Groundbreaking Discovery

In a remarkable observation, a team of scientists in Indonesia has witnessed an orangutan intentionally treating a facial wound with a medicinal plant, marking the first time this behavior has been documented. The male Sumatran orangutan, named Rakus, was seen chewing leaves from a climbing plant called Akar Kuning and repeatedly applying the juice to the wound.

The researchers, led by Dr. Isabelle Laumer from the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, were thrilled by the observation, which took place in June 2022 in the Suaq Balimbing research area in Gunung Leuser National Park, Indonesia. Rakus covered the wound with the chewed-up leaves, which are used in traditional medicine to treat various illnesses.

While other wild primate species are known to use plants with medicinal properties, scientists have never seen them used to treat recent wounds. Rakus's behavior was remarkable, as he applied the plant extract repeatedly over several minutes, demonstrating a clear intention to treat his wound.

The team believes that Rakus likely learned this behavior through accidental individual innovation or by observing other orangutans in his birthplace. The observation provides new insights into the existence of self-medication in our closest relatives and the evolutionary origins of wound medication.

This groundbreaking discovery highlights the commonalities between humans and orangutans, said Dr. Laumer. "We are more similar than different," she emphasized. The findings also underscore the critically endangered status of orangutans in the wild, and the need for conservation efforts to protect these remarkable creatures.

The researchers plan to continue observing wounded orangutans in the area to see if this behavior is repeated, providing further insights into the intelligence and resourcefulness of these incredible animals.