Wild Orangutan Self-Medicates

A wild orangutan (Pongo abelii) living in Sumatra was observed to apply an ointment he created to a facial wound. The orang,named Rakus by researchers, chewed the leaves of a known medicinal vine,Fibraurea tinctoria,that has anti-bacterial, anti-inflamatory and pain-reliving properties, and applied the salve to his wound. He then fully covered the wound with the chewed leaves. The wound healed without infection within days. 

Experts thought that orangs were intelligent enough to self-medicate, but the obervations in Gunung Leuser NP are the first field confirmation of this ability. Previously there was only one confirmed report of chimpanzees self-medicating. The vine is used by local people to treat malaria, diabetes and dysentery.  Indigenous healers in Borneo have adopted treatments learned from Bornean orangutans.  Previous analysis of the vine's chemical properties showed the presence of furanoditerpenoids and protoberberine alkaloids, which are biologically active in wound healing. After treatment, Rakus was see to rest more than usual, but resumed normal activity after the wound closed completely. He was left with only a slight scar from a nasty-looking wound below his right eye [photo credit: A. Fitras].

Orangutans are facing extinction in Indonesia despite government claims that populations are recovering. Habitat loss and poaching are the main threats. Juveniles and infants are captured for the illegal pet trade. All three species of orangs are protected under Indonesian law, but enforcement is considered lax by conservationists.