In a remarkable first, a wild orangutan named Rakus used a medicinal plant to heal his face. Discover more about this fascinating behavior!
Orangutans are known for their incredible intelligence, and a recent discovery has showcased their exceptional abilities even further. In a groundbreaking observation, a male Sumatran orangutan named Rakus was spotted treating a facial wound using a medicinal plant named Akar Kuning. Rakus chewed up the plant's leaves, creating a poultice which he applied to his wound, effectively closing it within days.
This behavior, described as the first known case of active wound treatment in a wild animal using a medicinal plant, sheds light on the orangutan's sophisticated cognitive capabilities. Scientists were amazed to witness Rakus' healing instinct and self-medication skills, highlighting the remarkable connection between orangutans and their natural environment.
The unique interaction between Rakus and the Akar Kuning plant raises intriguing questions about the evolutionary intelligence of orangutans and the depth of their understanding of medicinal properties in the wild. This phenomenon not only showcases the orangutans' adaptability and resourcefulness but also emphasizes the importance of preserving their habitats for future studies and conservation efforts.
In conclusion, Rakus' remarkable ability to self-medicate with a medicinal plant demonstrates the extraordinary nature of orangutans and their inherent healing knowledge in the wild. This fascinating behavior opens new avenues for research on animal cognition and adds to the growing body of evidence highlighting the intelligence and resilience of these incredible primates.
It is "the first known case of active wound treatment in a wild animal with a medical plant," biologist Isabelle Laumer told NPR. She says the orangutan, ...
The primate named Rakus chewed up yellow root and applied it to an open facial wound, closing the sore within days.
Rakus, a male Sumatran orangutan, treated a wound on his face by chewing leaves from a climbing plant named Akar Kuning and repeatedly applying the juice to it, ...
Rakus, an adult male orangutan, was seen chewing the stems and leaves of a medicinal plant into a poultice before applying it to his facial wound.
An orangutan appeared ...
The observation suggests “basic cognitive capacities…were present at the time of our last common ancestor.”
Scientists in Indonesia watched in awe as Rakus the orangutan carefully tended to his wound with a plant that's long been known to have healing properties.