5 Reptiles Far Smarter Than Most People Realize

Quick Take

• One reptile on this list has been caught deliberately hiding its food to trick its owner into giving it something better. See the food trick →
• Leopard geckos are widely mocked for low intelligence, but science says something very different about their brains. Explore gecko brain science →
• Crocodiles are incredibly intelligent hunters, often using lures to catch their prey. Meet the elite hunters →

When you think of intelligent animals, reptiles likely don’t come to mind. However, reptiles are surprisingly intelligent creatures, with some species demonstrating greater wisdom or different types of intelligence than others. From exotic lizards to wild crocodiles, various reptiles exhibit unique intelligence and advanced capabilities. For example, some reptiles engage in cooperative hunting with lures, while others can appear to “manipulate” their owners for their own benefit. 

Keep reading to learn about the top five smartest reptiles, including what makes them so wise.

1. Bearded Dragons

Bearded dragons are some of the smartest reptiles, especially when it comes to social learning and memory. In fact, their intelligence is often what makes them such great pets.

“These common pets are known for their fussiness,” says David Lowbridge, herpetologist, animal educator, and co-owner of DJL Exotics. “When kept in a room, they memorize the layout and where everything is, getting annoyed when things are changed.”

Perhaps the most intriguing fact about bearded dragons is their ability to influence their owners’ behavior to get what they want. Lowbridge also shares an anecdote from his professional experience working with bearded dragons.

“They’re adept at getting what they want,” he states. “We have a bearded dragon that would hide its salad, while we weren’t looking, by taking its food bowl and throwing the salad behind some decorations, before returning the food bowl to the same spot and then tapping the bowl to get some insect treats.”

2. Tegus

Tegus, particularly the Argentine Black and White Tegu, are large and intelligent lizards. In fact, they’re often referred to as the “Einstein of lizards.” According to the Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital, this reptile uses its intelligence to escape predators.

Additionally, tegus are known to recognize their owners, learn routines, and respond to positive reinforcement, making them highly trainable. In fact, according to Fraser Reptiles, a family business that breeds and sells exotic pets and pet supplies, tegu lizards are “often called the dogs of the reptile world.”

3. Monitor Lizards

Many experts consider monitor lizards to be the smartest lizards in the world. Similar to tegus, these large reptiles exhibit impressive cognitive abilities and problem-solving behavior, making them fascinating creatures. 

“These are the ultimate intelligent animals,” Lowbridge reveals. “They can solve complex problems and identify, using specific stimuli, when food is going to be offered or when it is a training session.”

Lowbridge adds that, according to research, some monitor lizards display the ability to count—a claim often attributed to Dr. John Philips at the San Diego Zoo, who reportedly discovered this in 1999.

Additionally, monitor lizards are known to develop distinct personalities, Lowbridge says.

4. Leopard Geckos

Many leopard gecko owners joke that their pet only has “one brain cell.” Ironically enough, a study by the University of Guelph found that leopard geckos can actually make new brain cells. Regardless, while they might not seem like the smartest reptile out there, this creature is actually quite intelligent. This is especially true when it comes to memory and spatial learning.

Another study published in the journal Animals found that leopard geckos are capable of both learning and remembering. Leopard geckos also appear to adapt to seasonal changes in their environment, which can affect their memory.

“Often considered the best beginner reptiles, they’re highly intelligent,” says Lowbridge. “They can learn the routines of their carers, and predict when it will be time for handling, feeding, and cleaning.”

According to Lowbridge, similar to bearded dragons, leopard geckos seemingly “manipulate” their owners to get what they want. Of course, this isn’t intentional or conscious manipulation, but rather an instinctive behavioral pattern. For example, consider how cats often become friendlier around dinner time. Leopard geckos have been known to act similarly. 

“They’re known to be able to train their owners by exhibiting behaviors that get them what they want,” says Lowbridge. “Such as being particularly affectionate for certain food or acting out when they don’t want to be handled.”

5. Crocodiles

Crocodiles are another highly intelligent reptile, especially when it comes to hunting. According to research by the University of Tennessee, the reptile uses lures and works with other crocodiles to hunt its prey. 

“All these observations indicate that crocodilians might belong to a very select club of hunters — just 20 or so species of animals, including humans — capable of coordinating their actions in sophisticated ways and assuming different roles according to each individual’s abilities,” Vladimir Dinets, a research assistant professor in UT’s Department of Psychology, said in the press release. “In fact, they might be second only to humans in their hunting prowess.”

Despite their “small brains,” crocodiles’ use of lures and cooperative hunting demonstrates their unique intelligence.