Jungle Doctor

Good Morning 🌞

Welcome to another day of Joy Hour

In today’s Joy Hour, we delve into an extraordinary observation from the dense forests of Gunung Leuser National Park in Sumatra, Indonesia. For the first time, scientists have witnessed a wild orangutan applying his own herbal remedy to treat a wound, showcasing a fascinating aspect of animal behavior that blurs the line between human and wildlife knowledge of medicinal plants. 🌿

How an Orangutan Uses Nature’s Pharmacy

In a recent breakthrough, researchers observed a male orangutan, Rakus, using a chewed-up plant known as akar kuning or yellow root to treat a facial wound. This plant isn’t just a random choice—known for its medicinal properties, akar kuning is used by local humans to treat ailments like malaria and diabetes, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Why This Matters

Rakus’s behavior is a striking example of self-medication in wildlife, a rare and intriguing phenomenon that offers insights into how animals like orangutans might manage their health and use their natural environment's resources. This finding not only adds to our understanding of orangutan intelligence but also highlights the broader implications of biodiversity conservation. By preserving their habitats, we help maintain these natural laboratories, where countless other potentially beneficial plants may exist.

“And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”

― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry