< img src="https://savageventures.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/orangutan-used-medicinal-plant.jpeg?w=685"alt =""> A research study published today has the scientific neighborhood abuzz. Researchers observed an orangutan skillfully utilizing a medical plant to recover its own wound. It’s the first scientific record of this occurring– and that’s a big deal.
Scientists have been observing a Sumatran orangutan named Rakus since 2009 when he initially moved into Gunung Leuser National Park in Indonesia. In June 2022, a research study team discovered Rakus had a “fresh injury on his right flange” and inside his mouth. Scientists think Rakus had actually entered a fight with another male orangutan.
A few days later, the scientists observed Rakus chewing the stem and leaves of the Akar Kuning (Fibraurea tinctoria) plant, which isn’t usually a huge part of orangutans’ diet. Instead of swallowing, the orangutan chewed them, spit them out, and painted his wound with the medicinal plant pulp. Then, he fully smeared it over his wound, covering the hurt flesh completely.
To put it simply, the orangutan made a plaster from a plant understood for its medical properties. His injury closed up within eight days.
Significance of the Research
The researchers said that in 21 years and 28 ′ 000 observation hours, “we never ever observed any other orangutans […] using Fibraurea tinctoriato treat their wounds.”
The hypothesis is that “preparing and applying natural lotions might be a type of self-medication that decreases discomfort, avoids inflammation, and accelerates injury recovery.”
Researchers believe this is the first report of “active wound management with a biological active compound in a great ape species.” It offers new insights into the how non-human animals utilize self-medication in the wild.
Researchers observed a Sumatran orangutan expertly using a medicinal plant to recover its own wound, and that’s a big deal.