Orangutan in Indonesia Discovers Medicinal Plant for Wound Healing: What Does This Mean for Evolution and Animal Behavior?

In the Suaq Balimbing research area of Gunung Leuser National Park in Indonesia, a unique behavior was observed in an orangutan male named Rakus. Unlike any other wild animal, Rakus applied a plant with medicinal properties to a wound under one of his eyes. The plant he used was Akar Kuning (Fibraurea tinctoria), which is known for its analgesic and antipyretic effects and is traditionally used to treat wounds, dysentery, diabetes, and malaria.

The behavior of applying the sap of Akar Kuning to his wound was intentional and selective, as Rakus chewed leaves from the plant and covered the wound with them. Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Animal Behavior in Germany and Universitas Nasional in Indonesia noted this behavior in June 2022 while studying the Suaq orangutan population.

Rakus’ wound healed within five days due to the application of Akar Kuning’s juices, and it was completely cured within a month. This behavior raises questions about whether non-human animals can develop innovative behaviors on their own or if they learn them from others through observation or imitation.

The potential evolutionary origins of this behavior shed light on the existence of self-medication in our closest relatives, providing insights into how great apes developed their ability to treat wounds. This discovery also highlights the importance of continued research on animal behavior and their use of plants with medicinal properties.

Overall, Rakus’ unique behavior provides us with valuable information about the potential evolutionary origins of self-medication in great apes and highlights the importance of continued research into animal behavior and their use of plants with medicinal properties.