Sumatran Orangutan Wound Treatment

A Sumatran orangutan named ______ has stunned researchers by treating a cheek wound with a medicinal plant.

Rakus lives in Gunung Leuser National Park in northern ______.

The researchers believe Rakus's wound was most likely the result of a fight with another ______.

The plant Rakus used to treat his wound is called ______.

After applying the healing juice to his wound, Rakus returned to the plant to eat more ______.

Sumatran orangutans are a critically endangered species, with only about ______ left in the wild.

Their populations have plummeted due to the widespread conversion of rainforests into ______ plantations.

The researchers revealed their findings in the journal ______ on May 2, 2024.

Sumatran Orangutan Wound Treatment

A Sumatran orangutan, Rakus, treated a cheek wound using a medicinal plant.
Rakus is approximately 35 years old and lives in Gunung Leuser National Park, Sumatra, Indonesia.
Researchers observed Rakus chewing and using liana leaves on his wound.
Rakus spent 13 minutes eating the plant, 7 minutes chewing and applying the juice, and used the leaves to cover the wound as flies appeared.
The wound closed within 5 days and was completely healed by July 19, 2022, leaving only a scar.
This is the first known case of a wild animal using a medicinal plant for wound treatment.

Liana Plant and Orangutan Behavior

The plant, liana, is known for its healing properties to locals.
Sumatran orangutans rarely consume liana.
Rakus's actions in using liana were documented and observed.
The observation period spanned over days, with researchers observing the application and overall healing process.
After treatment, Rakus returned to the plant to consume more leaves and exhibited increased resting to aid in healing.

Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Status

Sumatran orangutans are critically endangered with only an estimated 14,600 left in the wild.
They are found in the northern tip of Sumatra, Indonesia.
Habitat destruction, due to rainforest conversion to oil palm plantations, is a primary threat.
Illegal hunting for food or as status symbols also negatively impacts their population.
Females give birth to one infant every 8-9 years.
Research was published in Scientific Reports on May 2, 2024.

This quiz explores the fascinating case of Rakus, a Sumatran orangutan who used a medicinal plant to treat a cheek wound. Learn about Rakus's behavior, the healing properties of the liana plant, and the significance of this unique observation in wildlife studies. Discover the innovative strategies animals use in their natural habitats.