Orangutan Wound Treatment Observations

What specific medicinal plant did Rakus use to treat his wound?

What was the primary cause of Rakus's wound according to researchers?

How long did it take for Rakus's wound to fully heal?

Which behavior did Rakus exhibit after applying the healing juice to his wound?

What did Rakus do to protect his wound from flies?

What distinguishes Rakus's case in the context of wild animal behavior?

What is the estimated population of Sumatran orangutans in the wild?

What significant threat has contributed to the decline of Sumatran orangutans?

Orangutan Wound Treatment

Rakus, a Sumatran orangutan, treated a cheek wound with a medicinal plant.
The wound, likely from a fight, was observed by researchers on June 22, 2022.
Rakus chewed on the stems and leaves of a liana vine for 13 minutes, then rubbed the juice on his wound for 7 minutes.
Rakus covered the wound with leaves to deter flies.
The wound healed completely within 5 days, leaving a scar by July 19, 2022.

Liana Plant

The liana plant is known by locals for its healing properties.
Sumatran orangutans rarely eat this plant.
The orangutan's use of the liana was observed and documented by researchers.

Research Findings

This is the first known case of a wild animal using a medicinal plant for active wound treatment.
Rakus was a good patient, returning to the healing plant the next day.
He also rested more than usual after applying the treatment.
The study's findings were published in Scientific Reports on May 2, 2024.

Sumatran Orangutan Population

Sumatran orangutans are critically endangered with approximately 14,600 remaining in the wild.
They inhabit the northern tip of Sumatra.
Habitat loss from oil palm plantations and other agricultural development is a significant threat.
Hunting for food or as status symbols is also impacting their numbers—with low birth rates, they are vulnerable.

Explore the remarkable case of Rakus, a Sumatran orangutan who used a liana plant for wound treatment. This quiz covers the healing process, the plant's properties, and the significance of this unique observation in wildlife research. Delve into the first known instance of such behavior in a wild animal.