Scientists’ findings have provided new knowledge about the ability of orangutans, our closest relatives to humans, to self-treat wounds. In addition, scientists say this research will also help learn more about the origins of how wounds were treated in early times.
“It is very likely that the way human and orangutan ancestors treated wounds was similar in the past,” said Dr. Isabelle.
The researchers plan to take a closer look at any injured orangutans in the area to see if the behavior of using herbs to treat injuries is repeated.
The Sumatran orangutan (scientific name Pongo abelii), is a species of orangutan found only in northern Sumatra island, Indonesia. Adult Sumatran orangutans can be 1.7m tall and weigh about 90kg, with females being smaller than males.
An individual Sumatran orangutan and a baby (Photo: iNaturalist).
Sumatran orangutans in particular and orangutans in general know how to use tools to find food, including fruits, insects, bird eggs, small vertebrates…
Currently, the number of Sumatran orangutans in the wild has decreased sharply due to habitat loss and illegal hunting. The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists this orangutan on the list of critically endangered animals.
