On May 3rd, it was reported that orangutans, long recognized for their high intelligence, are comparable to children around 7 years old.
Recently, evidence of further advancement in orangutan intelligence has emerged.
A report in the journal "Scientific Reports" revealed an unexpected behavior by a male Sumatran orangutan named "Rakusu" - the use of medicinal plants.
Rakusu utilized a plant known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties to treat an open wound on its face. This plant possesses antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antioxidant, analgesic, and anticancer properties, and similar vine plants are traditionally used in medicine to treat various ailments.
Researchers disclosed that Rakusu chewed the leaves and applied them to the entire wound until it was completely covered. After 5 days, the facial wound closed, and within a few weeks, it healed, leaving only a small scar.
Rakusu's intentional use of this plant suggests a cognitive ability to utilize medicinal plants for wound treatment to some extent.
This marks the first observation of a wild animal using known medicinal substances to treat open wounds.
