Understanding the social behavior and welfare needs of commonly kept reptile species, challenging myths about reptile solitary nature.
Reptile welfare is often misunderstood due to assumptions that reptiles lack sentience. Research shows reptiles have nociceptors and mount stress responses similar to mammals. Species like tortoises and monitor lizards demonstrate individual recognition and preference. Providing appropriate temperature gradients, hiding places, substrate for digging, and in some species social companionship substantially improves welfare.