Self-recognition in an Asian elephant

Abstract

Considered an indicator of self-awareness, mirror self-recognition (MSR) has long seemed limited to humans and apes. In both phylogeny and human ontogeny, MSR is thought to correlate with higher forms of empathy and altruistic behavior. Apart from humans and apes, dolphins and elephants are also known for such capacities. After the recent discovery of MSR in dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), elephants thus were the next logical candidate species. We exposed three Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) to a large mirror to investigate their responses. Animals that possess MSR typically progress through four stages of behavior when facing a mirror: (i) social responses, (ii) physical inspection (e.g., looking behind the mirror), (iii) repetitive mirror-testing behavior, and (iv) realization of seeing themselves. Visible marks and invisible shammarks were applied to the elephants' heads to test whether they would pass the litmus ''mark test'' for MSR in which an individual spontaneously uses a mirror to touch an otherwise imperceptible mark on its own body. Here, we report a successful MSR elephant study and report striking parallels in the progression of responses to mirrors among apes, dolphins, and elephants. These parallels suggest convergent cognitive evolution most likely related to complex sociality and cooperation.cognition ͉ mirror self-recognition ͉ theory of mind ͉ intelligence ͉ empathy M irror self-recognition (MSR) is exceedingly rare in the animal kingdom (1). Attempts to demonstrate MSR outside of the Hominoidea (i.e., humans and apes) have thus far failed (2), with the notable exception of one report on dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) (3). Animals that demonstrate MSR typically go through four stages: (i) social response, (ii) physical mirror inspection (e.g., looking behind the mirror), (iii) repetitive mirror-testing behavior (i.e., the beginning of mirror understanding), and (iv) self-directed behavior (i.e., recognition of the mirror image as self) (3, 4). The final stage is verified if a subject passes the ''mark test'' by spontaneously using the mirror to touch an otherwise imperceptible mark on its own body (1). Application of the mark is recommended only if the preceding criteria have been met (5). Animals without MSR tend to remain at stages 1 and 2. Even if the degree to which the mirror image is confused with a stranger is debatable for some non-MSR species (6), these animals likely lack understanding of who is in the mirror.Gallup was the first to hypothesize about a phylogenetic connection between MSR and empathy (7), a connection supported by evidence for consolation behavior in apes but not monkeys (8, 9). A possible ontogenetic connection between MSR and empathy is reflected in the coemergence of MSR and ''sympathetic concern'' during child development (10, 11). Dolphins and elephants represent interesting additions to MSR tests because, like the hominoids (8, 12), they are highly empathic animals known for so-called ''targeted helping'' [i.e., helping that takes the specific needs of others ...

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