In the lush rainforests of Indonesia’s Suaq Balimbing research site, a remarkable event unfolded in June 2022 shedding light on the intelligence and resourcefulness of our distant primate relatives. Rakus, a male Sumatran orangutan sustained a facial wound in a scuffle with another male orangutan sparking intrigue among researchers with his subsequent actions.
In a study published in the journal Scientific Reports, scientists detailed how Rakus actively treated his wound using a plant known for its medicinal properties. The plant Fibraurea tinctoria commonly referred to as Akar Kuning possesses antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and antioxidant qualities making it ideal for wound healing.
Observations revealed Rakus chewing the leaves of the plant to produce a liquid which he then applied to his wound repeatedly. In a display reminiscent of medical treatment administered by humans, Rakus further utilized the chewed-up plant material as a makeshift plaster covering the injury with precision.
What astonished researchers even more was Rakus’s selective behaviour focusing solely on treating the wound on his right flange with the plant juice. This deliberate action repeated over several days until the wound healed underscored the orangutan’s cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills.
The significance of this behaviour extends beyond Rakus’s individual actions offering insights into the cognitive capacities shared between orangutans and humans. As the wound healed without signs of infection, researchers pondered the evolutionary origins of such behaviour suggesting that the cognitive abilities required for wound treatment with plants may date back millions of years to the last common ancestor of orangutans and humans.
While the exact mechanisms behind Rakus’s behaviour remain to be fully understood, the observation highlights the rich cultural repertoire and learning capabilities of wild orangutans. With their knack for observational social learning and problem-solving, orangutans continue to surprise and fascinate researchers offering glimpses into the complex world of animal cognition.
As we marvel at Rakus’s ingenuity, we are reminded of the profound connections that bind humans and our primate cousins. In a world where the boundaries between species blur discoveries like these serve as poignant reminders of the wonders of nature and the mysteries that still await unraveling in the depths of the rainforest.
