Fur-Rubbing as a Form of Self-Medication in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pongo pygmaeus</Emphasis> |
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Authors: | Helen Celia Morrogh-Bernard |
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Institution: | (1) University of Cambridge, Wildlife Research Group, The Anatomy School, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, UK |
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Abstract: | Orangutans exhibit fur-rubbing possibly for medicinal use. I hypothesize that they use a species of Commelina, an uncommon herb in the peat-swamp forests of Central Kalimantan, Borneo, as either an antibacterial or anti-inflammatory
agent. In Central Kalimantan, local indigenous people use the same species as an external medication to treat their arms after
a stroke, for muscular pain, and for sore bones and swellings. Thus, the possible convergence of human and orangutan use of
Commelina may indicate that orangutans are using it for a similar purpose. |
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Keywords: | Commelina fur-rubbing orangutan self-medication |
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