Podcast
Questions and Answers
What type of injury did Rakus treat with the medicinal plant?
What type of injury did Rakus treat with the medicinal plant?
How long did Rakus take to eat the plant and treat his wound?
How long did Rakus take to eat the plant and treat his wound?
What is the name of the plant that Rakus used to treat his wound?
What is the name of the plant that Rakus used to treat his wound?
What behavior did Rakus exhibit after applying the healing juice to his wound?
What behavior did Rakus exhibit after applying the healing juice to his wound?
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Why are Sumatran orangutans considered critically endangered?
Why are Sumatran orangutans considered critically endangered?
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What did the researchers conclude about Rakus' treatment behavior?
What did the researchers conclude about Rakus' treatment behavior?
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How long did it take for Rakus' wound to heal completely?
How long did it take for Rakus' wound to heal completely?
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When were the researchers' findings about Rakus published?
When were the researchers' findings about Rakus published?
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Flashcards
Rakus
Rakus
A Sumatran orangutan named Rakus that demonstrated self-medication using a medicinal plant.
Liana
Liana
The tropical vine used by Rakus to treat his wound, known by local people for its medicinal properties.
Sumatran orangutan
Sumatran orangutan
A critically endangered species of orangutan that lives in the northern tip of Sumatra, Indonesia.
Self-medication
Self-medication
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Observing (research)
Observing (research)
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Scientific Reports
Scientific Reports
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Wound Healing
Wound Healing
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Gunung Leuser National Park
Gunung Leuser National Park
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Study Notes
Sumatran Orangutan Wound Treatment
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Rakus, a 35-year-old male Sumatran orangutan, treated a cheek wound with a medicinal plant in Gunung Leuser National Park, Indonesia.
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The wound, believed to be from a fight, was first noticed on June 22, 2022.
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Rakus spent 13 minutes consuming a tropical vine (liana) known to locals for its healing properties.
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Afterward, he spent 7 minutes chewing the leaves and applying the juice to the wound.
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Rakus covered the wound with leaves to deter flies.
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The wound completely healed in 5 days, leaving a scar by July 19, 2022.
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This is the first documented case of a wild animal using a medicinal plant to treat a wound.
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The discovery was documented by Dr. Isabelle Laumer's team at Max Planck Research and published in Scientific Reports in May 2024.
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Rakus, following treatment, returned to the plant for further consumption and increased his resting time.
Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Status
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Sumatran orangutans are critically endangered, with an estimated population of 14,600 in the wild.
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They are endemic to the northern tip of Sumatra, Indonesia.
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Habitat loss, primarily due to oil palm plantations and agriculture, is a significant threat.
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Illegal hunting and capture for food or as status symbols also pose risks.
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Orangutan females reproduce slowly, with only one infant every 8-9 years.
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Description
Explore the remarkable case of Rakus, a Sumatran orangutan, who used a medicinal plant to treat his cheek wound in Gunung Leuser National Park. This first documented instance of wild animals using healing plants showcases the intelligence and adaptability of wildlife. Join us in understanding the significance of this finding for conservation efforts.
