![]() ![]() Consequently, chemical self-recognition tests are fairly common in squamates which include lizards (e.g. pheromones) when it comes to individual recognition, territoriality, social interactions and mate choice (Norris and Lopez 2001). Reptiles also rely strongly on chemicals (i.e. Nonetheless, some researchers have criticised these studies as not being a true equivalent to the MSR test because dogs do not show self-directed behaviour in the sniff-test which is an important control in the MSR test even without a mark present (Gallup and Anderson 2018 2020). Furthermore, they sniff their own odour longer when it is modified than the chemical used for modification by itself (Horowitz 2017). They sniff the urine of unfamiliar dogs for longer than their own urine (Cazzolla Gatti 2016 Horowitz 2017). These studies have demonstrated that dogs discriminate between their own odour and that of conspecifics. This has led to the development of the sniff-test for self-recognition used in dogs whose primary sense is smell (Cazzolla Gatti 2016). Not all species primarily depend on their visual sense. The evidence from species other than humans and great apes has, however, led to controversial discussion (Gallup and Anderson 2018 2020). Humans, most great apes, elephants, dolphins and cleaner fish show MSR (Gallup 1970 Gallup et al. Third, a mark has to be applied in a spot that can be seen without the use of the mirror to confirm the subjects’ motivation to remove marks in general (Gallup and Anderson 2018). Second, an invisible mark has to be used to exclude that physical irritation caused by the mark itself or the process of marking is triggering the behaviour (Gallup 1970). First, individuals need to show spontaneous self-directed behaviours such as inspecting themselves in front of the mirror (Gallup 1970 Gallup and Anderson 2020). A number of important control conditions need to be implemented. Confirmation of MSR occurs when the subject spontaneously inspects the mark and attempts to remove it using their reflection (Gallup 1970). In this test, a subject is confronted with a mirror and provided with a mark that can only be seen using the reflection in the mirror. The method of choice is the mirror self-recognition (MSR) test. Research into self-recognition aims to uncover self-awareness (the ability to become the object of one’s own attention) and its emergence across humans and non-human animals (Gallup 1970 Gallup et al. Self-recognition is the ability to recognise cues that represent/originate from oneself (visual images, olfactory cues, acoustic stimuli) (Gallup 1970 Gallup et al. ![]() Although further tests and controls are needed, our study provides evidence towards chemical self-recognition and for a social function of scat piling in tokay geckos. Furthermore, scat and skin chemicals (regardless of origin) elicited similar but stronger responses than peppermint oil pointing towards a possible social function of scat piles. Geckos showed higher self-directed responses towards chemicals from unfamiliar individuals compared to self-produced chemicals and a water control. We predicted that individuals would show more self-directed behaviour when confronted with the chemicals from unfamiliar individuals within their home enclosure as a sign of the need for increased comparison. Here, we test the tokay gecko ( Gekko gecko), a social species, on their ability to discriminate their own skin and faecal chemicals from those of same-sex, unfamiliar conspecifics. In lizards, chemical cues are crucial in social interactions, and therefore, lizards would benefit from a chemical self-other distinction. Not all animals, however, rely primarily on vision. They use their reflection to inspect themselves and to remove a mark that is only visible in the mirror. Humans and some non-human animals show evidence of true visual self-recognition in the mirror test. Self-recognition is the ability to recognise stimuli originating from oneself. ![]()
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