In the dense forests of Gunung Leuser National Park, Indonesia, a groundbreaking observation has been made involving a Sumatran orangutan named Rakus. For the first time in recorded history, a wild animal has been observed using a medicinal plant to treat its own physical injury, bridging a fascinating connection between human and animal medicinal practices.
In June 2022, researchers observed Rakus with a prominent wound on his cheek, likely a result of conflicts with rival male orangutans. This was inferred from his “long calls,” a vocalization associated with distress or territorial disputes observed in the days leading up to the discovery of his injury. The team, led by Dr. Isabella Laumer of the Max Planck Institute in Germany, watched as Rakus meticulously applied a self-made paste from the Akar Kuning plant to his wound. Known locally for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and used in traditional medicine to treat ailments like malaria and diabetes, this plant was chewed and applied directly to the wound by Rakus.
The application process was detailed and deliberate, with Rakus spending over seven minutes applying the initial paste and continuing to add more chewed plant material over a half-hour period. This methodical approach led researchers to believe that this was not random but a knowledgeable act of self-medication. Remarkably, the treatment was effective; the wound healed completely within a month without signs of infection, indicating the orangutan’s profound understanding of natural medicinal resources.
This observation is not only a testament to the cognitive abilities of orangutans but also hints at the evolutionary roots of medicinal knowledge that may be shared with humans. Our close genetic ties to great apes like orangutans suggest that this behavior could stem from a common ancestor, underscoring an innate comprehension of natural medicine in primates.
Historical observations have shown that great apes possess an understanding of medicinal plants. Notably, in the 1960s, biologist Jane Goodall documented chimpanzees consuming whole leaves, later found to possess medicinal properties. However, the act of applying a plant directly to a wound marks a significant first in the annals of naturalistic observations.
Dr. Laumer speculates that Rakus’s behavior could have been learned by observing other orangutans, or it might have been a serendipitous discovery. As researchers continue to monitor these intelligent beings, more insights are expected into their complex behaviors, many of which may mirror human actions more closely than previously understood.
The findings, published in the journal Scientific Reports, pave the way for further studies into the medicinal behaviors of animals and their potential implications for understanding the origins of human medicinal practices. This discovery not only highlights the sophistication of orangutans but also adds a valuable chapter to our understanding of animal intelligence and adaptability.
