Tortoises Found to Experience Emotions Similar to Humans and Other Mammals
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📰 The quick summary: Research from the University of Lincoln reveals that red-footed tortoises experience lasting mood states similar to mammals and birds, challenging traditional beliefs about reptile emotions and providing valuable insights for improving captive animal welfare.
📈 One key stat: Tortoises living in enriched environments were more likely to interpret ambiguous cues positively, indicating a more optimistic state of mind that could significantly improve animal welfare standards.
💬 One key quote: “This is an exciting finding that represents a significant shift in our understanding of what reptiles can experience, with important implications for how we care for these animals in captivity and interact with them in the wild,” said Oliver Burman, Professor of Animal Behavior and Welfare at the University of Lincoln.
1️⃣ The big picture: Scientists at the University of Lincoln have discovered that red-footed tortoises can experience long-term mood states, similar to those observed in mammals and birds. The research team applied cognitive bias tests designed for humans to 15 tortoises to measure how they interpret ambiguous situations. Their findings show that tortoises in enriched environments displayed more optimistic responses and fewer signs of anxiety. This breakthrough challenges long-held beliefs that reptiles have limited emotional capacity and provides new evidence of sentience in animals that diverged from mammals hundreds of millions of years ago.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: This discovery has far-reaching implications for animal welfare laws and practices, especially as reptiles become increasingly popular as pets. Understanding that tortoises can experience moods helps create more appropriate care guidelines that consider their emotional well-being, not just physical needs. The findings align with the UK’s Animal Welfare Act, which recognizes animal sentience as a basis for protection. More broadly, this research suggests that emotional experiences may be more widespread throughout the animal kingdom than previously thought, potentially transforming how humans interact with and care for various species across evolutionary lines.
3️⃣ What’s next: Scientists will likely expand research to other reptile species to determine how widespread these emotional capabilities are. Animal welfare organizations can use these findings to develop enhanced guidelines for reptile care in captivity. Conservation efforts may also benefit from better understanding tortoise emotional needs, potentially improving breeding programs and habitat protection initiatives.
Read the full story here: SciTechDaily – Groundbreaking Study Reveals Tortoises Have Feelings, Similar to Ours
