A new study conducted in Italy has found horses are one of few species that can identify their mirror image.
A recent study led by Dr Paolo Baragli, from the University of Pisa in Italy, is the first to conclude that horses can recognise themselves in a mirror, and may be conscious of the way they look.
The study involved painting an X on the cheeks of 14 horses. Eleven of the group attempted to rub it off when they looked in a mirror and realised it was there.
While this may sound simplistic, it has captured the attention of the world’s media, including the Sydney Morning Herald, who have reported on the findings. Previously, the only animals found to be capable of recognising their mirror reflection were elephants, bottlenose dolphins, magpies and a small fish called a cleaner wrasse.
The Sydney Morning Herald’s article about the study’s results can be found here.
The study can be found here.
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