Orang-utans show mastery

Orang-utans may have knowledge of medicines unknown to humans, a study has revealed. The great apes have been filmed chewing leaves from a small rainforest tree into a balm — which they then use to soothe their aching limbs.

ORANG-UTANS may have knowledge of medicines unknown to humans, a study has revealed.

The great apes have been filmed chewing leaves from a small rainforest tree into a balm – which they then use to soothe their aching limbs. Scientists say they may have shown local indigenous people how to treat themselves and are investigating whether mankind’s closest relatives know of other medicinal plants.

The orang-utans were spotted using the herbal medicine in the Sabangau Forest, in Central Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo.

After chewing the leaves into a green lather, they methodically rub it into their upper arms or legs for 15 to 45 minutes.

None of the leaf of the dracaena cantleyi tree is swallowed and the chewed pulp is always spat out.

Researchers from the Borneo Nature Foundation have filmed more than 100 apes since 2003, gathering 20,000 hours of footage.

In their paper, published in Scientific Report, researchers say the highly intelligent animals may have inspired local people.

Picture: AP PEARLY WHITES: Khansa, an eight-month-old critically endangered Bornean orang-utan, shows off its two front teeth at the Singapore Zoo this week. Researchers have found the apes may have knowledge of medicines which are not known to humans.