Orangutan observed employing plant as medicinal aid.

 

 In Indonesia's Gunung Leuser National Park, scientists have observed a remarkable event: a Sumatran orangutan named Rakus utilizing a plant-based paste to heal a substantial wound on his cheek, marking the first documented instance of wild animal self-medication with a medicinal plant.

The researchers, led by biologist Dr. Isabella Laumer from the Max Planck Institute in Germany, witnessed Rakus applying the poultice made from the plant Akar Kuning directly to his injured cheek. Remarkably, within a month, the wound showed significant signs of improvement, eventually healing completely.

This behavior, according to Dr. Laumer, underscores the close evolutionary ties between humans and great apes, emphasizing our shared similarities rather than differences.

The discovery unfolded when a research team encountered Rakus in June 2022 with a noticeable wound on his cheek, likely sustained during territorial disputes with other male orangutans, indicated by his vocalizations known as "long calls" prior to the injury.

Observing Rakus meticulously chewing the stem and leaves of the Akar Kuning plant, renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, the researchers noted his deliberate application of the medicinal paste onto his wound. Rakus continued this process for several minutes, suggesting a conscious effort to treat his injury.

Intriguingly, Rakus's behavior extended beyond mere application; he also consumed the plant for an extended period, indicating a potential understanding of its medicinal properties.

The healing process was swift and effective, with the wound showing no signs of infection within five days and fully closing within a month, leading the scientists to conclude that Rakus's actions were intentional and driven by his awareness of the plant's healing properties.

This groundbreaking observation challenges previous understandings of animal self-medication, expanding our knowledge of great apes' cognitive capabilities. The researchers speculate that Rakus may have either stumbled upon this method accidentally or learned it from observing others within his social group.

Moving forward, researchers plan to closely monitor other orangutans in the area to determine if similar medical behaviors are exhibited, hinting at further discoveries that could illuminate the striking similarities between humans and our closest primate relatives.