Podcast
Questions and Answers
What specific medicinal plant did Rakus use to treat his wound?
What specific medicinal plant did Rakus use to treat his wound?
- Banyan
- Bamboo
- Ginger
- Liana (correct)
What was the primary cause of Rakus's wound according to researchers?
What was the primary cause of Rakus's wound according to researchers?
- A confrontation with another orangutan (correct)
- A fall from a tree
- A bite from an insect
- A sharp object in the environment
How long did it take for Rakus's wound to fully heal?
How long did it take for Rakus's wound to fully heal?
- Within several months
- Within a month (correct)
- Within two weeks
- Within a week
Which behavior did Rakus exhibit after applying the healing juice to his wound?
Which behavior did Rakus exhibit after applying the healing juice to his wound?
What did Rakus do to protect his wound from flies?
What did Rakus do to protect his wound from flies?
What distinguishes Rakus's case in the context of wild animal behavior?
What distinguishes Rakus's case in the context of wild animal behavior?
What is the estimated population of Sumatran orangutans in the wild?
What is the estimated population of Sumatran orangutans in the wild?
What significant threat has contributed to the decline of Sumatran orangutans?
What significant threat has contributed to the decline of Sumatran orangutans?
Flashcards
Rakus's Wound Treatment
Rakus's Wound Treatment
A Sumatran orangutan named Rakus was observed using a medicinal plant called liana to treat a wound on his cheek.
Liana
Liana
Liana is a tropical vine known for its healing properties by local people.
Orangutan's Unusual Behavior
Orangutan's Unusual Behavior
Scientists were surprised to see Rakus using liana, as orangutans rarely consume it.
Rakus's Treatment Method
Rakus's Treatment Method
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Rakus's Recovery
Rakus's Recovery
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Rakus's Healing Time
Rakus's Healing Time
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First Known Case
First Known Case
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Sumatran Orangutan Conservation
Sumatran Orangutan Conservation
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Study Notes
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.
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Description
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.
