Green Anole Intelligence: Researchers Shocked by Lizard Brainpower

[findi]

Hi All,

I’ve been fascinated by Green Anoles, Anolis carolinensis, since childhood – way back when they were sold as “American Chameleons”. Although they are often ignored by experienced keepers, I have long featured Green Anoles and related species in zoo exhibits, where they never failed to intrigue visitors (and yours truly!). Now, it seems, they are also impressing herpetologists with learning abilities that rival those of some birds. The performances of anoles (two of which did so well that they were dubbed “Plato” and ‘Socrates”) tested at Duke University have challenged the stereotype that small lizards have limited intelligence and problem-solving abilities. Read the rest of this article here: http://bit.ly/132Ph7I

Please also check out my posts on Twitter http://bitly.com/JP27Nj and Facebook http://on.fb.me/KckP1m

Thanks, Frank
My Bio, with photos of animals I’ve been lucky enough to work with http://bitly.com/LC8Lbp

 

[Tarantula155]

Most lizards, if not all have intelligence. Enough to survive at least.

I had friends that thought lizards were stupid until I showed them what my monitor lizard can do....

[video=youtube;kG60HwBXPNY]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kG60HwBXPNY[/video]

 

[Galluch13]

Was that a wolf spider with a sack?

 

[Tarantula155]

Was that a wolf spider with a sack?

Yes, it was.

 

[pitbulllady]

I've kept many lizard species, including Green Anoles and three different Monitor species. I will put a Monitor up against any canid for learning ability and problem-solving skills, and that includes wolves, since I've had the opportunity to compare both first-hand. Lizards are very intelligent creatures and do in fact remind me a lot of four-legged scaly birds, more than they remind me of snakes or other reptiles, so this does not surprise me at all.

pitbulllady

 

[pouchedrat]

my savannah monitor is crazy intelligent. Mean as can be, too. lol

 

[JZC]

My tortoise is learning, but he isn't too advanced yet. He is a redfoot. You even mentioned the species in your article, lol

 

[bugmankeith]

Green anoles are excellent escape artists and figuring out to stay by lights that attract moths for easy meals.