Reptiles Have Feelings Too: Study reveals highly emotional behaviour of reptiles

Reptiles have been dismissed for decades as cold-blooded, emotionless creatures, often viewed as primitive and instinct-driven. But new research is turning that stereotype on its head. A growing body of scientific evidence suggests that reptiles, from tortoises to lizards, are emotionally complex animals capable of experiencing a range of feelings such as anxiety, fear, excitement, and even social bonding. This revelation could reshape how we understand, treat, and protect reptiles, both as pets and in the wild, with major implications for conservation efforts, animal welfare, and public perception. Reptiles are no longer just survivors—they are sentient, emotional beings. Rethinking their inner lives could revolutionize reptile care and conservation.A review of 37 studies published in the journal Animals provided solid evidence that reptiles do, in fact, feel. Research showed that being handled increased heart rates in lizards, and tortoises displayed signs of anxiety in unfamiliar environments. From elevated stress responses to clear signs of discomfort or curiosity, reptiles have shown a wide spectrum of emotional reactions. These findings emphasise that emotional behaviour is more widespread in the animal kingdom than once believedThe notion that reptiles lack emotional depth is rooted in the outdated idea of the "lizard brain", popularised in the 1970s. It refers to the primitive part of the human brain linked to survival instincts, which was believed to be inherited from reptiles. Since reptiles don’t possess structures like the human limbic system, commonly associated with emotions, scientists long assumed they couldn’t feel like mammals do. But modern neuroscience and behavioural studies are challenging this view, proving that emotions are not exclusive to creatures with complex mammalian brains.Contrary to their reputation as solitary animals, many reptiles display surprisingly complex social behaviours. In the book The Secret Social Lives of Reptiles, scientists describe rituals involving courtship, nesting, and even parental care. These behaviours vary significantly between species but indicate that reptiles are not only aware of others but often engage in meaningful social interactions. This challenges the long-standing assumption that reptiles are incapable of social bonds or cooperative behaviours.Reptiles may not wag their tails or vocalise like mammals, but they do communicate, just differently. A 2021 study in Integrative and Comparative Biology found that many lizards use chemical signals to communicate, such as pheromones. This subtle and largely invisible form of interaction has likely contributed to the misperception that reptiles are emotionally detached. Their secretive nature and infrequent visibility in the wild make them harder to study, further compounding the gap in understanding.Psychological studies suggest humans are more likely to empathise with animals that resemble us physically or emotionally. This is why dogs, cats, and primates often get more public sympathy than snakes or iguanas. Even among reptile owners, emotional capacity is rated lower than among pet owners of other animals. These biases play a major role in how reptiles are treated in captivity, included in animal welfare laws, and supported in conservation initiatives.Today, nearly one in five reptile species is endangered, with habitat loss and climate change posing growing threats. Yet reptiles receive less conservation funding and protection compared to mammals and birds. According to JJ Apodaca of the Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy, a lack of emotional understanding has led to gaps in conservation policies. “They don't follow the same sort of rules that birds or mammals follow,” Apodaca says, “so we understand them a lot less, and that leaves them out of crucial protections.”Understanding that reptiles feel not only helps improve their treatment in zoos, homes, and research labs but also highlights the need for stronger conservation measures. Recognising their emotions may encourage more humane handling, better captive environments, and deeper public engagement with reptile conservation. “They're more complex, and they feel more, and they're smarter than we ever thought,” Apodaca adds. As science continues to unveil the rich inner lives of reptiles, it's time to shed outdated myths and embrace a more compassionate, informed perspective.