Thu Feb 27 18:37:11 UTC 2025: ## Starving Lizards Take More Risks for Food, IISc Study Reveals
**Bengaluru, February 28, 2025** – A new study from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has shown that tropical rock agamas ( *Psammophilus dorsalis*) alter their foraging behavior based on hunger levels. Researchers found that when starved for 48 hours, these lizards were more willing to gamble on larger, uncertain food rewards compared to their well-fed counterparts.
The study, led by Professor Maria Thaker of the Centre for Ecological Sciences (CES), involved presenting lizards with two choices: a guaranteed small meal (two mealworms) or a variable option offering either zero or four mealworms. Well-fed lizards consistently chose the guaranteed option, while hungry lizards opted for the riskier, potentially larger reward. Interestingly, both groups ended up with similar overall food intake, suggesting the strategies were equally effective.
“Reptiles in the tropics can’t hibernate to conserve energy during lean times,” explained Prof. Thaker. “Our research indicates that these lizards have evolved a sophisticated ability to assess risk and adjust their foraging strategies depending on their energy levels.” Avik Banerjee, a PhD student and co-author of the paper, highlighted the lizards’ capacity to remember past choices and adapt their behavior accordingly.
The IISc study provides novel insights into the adaptive behavior of tropical reptiles, demonstrating their capacity for complex decision-making in response to environmental uncertainty. Prof. Thaker concluded, “The fact that these lizards can make calculated risks for survival is remarkable, showing the intelligence found even in seemingly simple creatures.” The findings were published on February 28, 2025.
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