In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have observed a male Sumatran orangutan exhibiting remarkable medicinal skills in treating wounds. This male orangutan, named Rakus, was seen using sap and chewed leaves from a plant with known anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties to treat an open facial wound.
This is the first time a wild animal has been observed using substances with medicinal properties to self-medicate. Previous examples of animals self-medicating include Bornean orangutans using chewed leaves for sore muscles and chimpanzees chewing plants to treat worm infections.
Researchers believe that this behavior offers valuable insight into the origins of human wound care, potentially reaching back to our last common ancestor. The discovery was made in a protected rainforest in Indonesia, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts in preserving such unique behaviors.
Rakus’ wound healed within a few weeks, leaving only a small scar, showcasing the effectiveness of his treatment method. The plant used by Rakus is known to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and pain-killing properties, among others, making it a potent natural remedy.
It is still unclear whether Rakus figured out the process himself or learned it from another orangutan, as this behavior has not been observed in any other individual. This extraordinary display of medicinal knowledge in orangutans opens up new avenues of research into the capabilities of non-human animals and their relationship with their environment.
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