This handbook lays out the science behind how animals think, remember, create, calculate, and remember. It provides concise overviews on major areas of study such as animal communication and language, memory and recall, social cognition, social learning and teaching, numerical and quantitative abilities, as well as innovation and problem solving. The chapters also explore more nuanced topics in greater detail, showing how the research was conducted and how it can be used for further study. The authors range from academics working in renowned university departments to those from research institutions and practitioners in zoos. The volume encompasses a wide variety of species, ensuring the breadth of the field is explored.

Winner, 2022 Choice Outstanding Academic Titles

‘The creative research and wealth of information presented in this handbook exceed all expectations. We are at the cusp of an entirely new field of evolutionary cognition. Experts in their field offer commentary on all of the hot topics, from altruism to planning, citing a wide range of species.'

Frans de Waal - Charles Howard Candler Professor of Primate Behavior and Director of the Living Links Center, Emory University, USA, and author of Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are?

‘This is a well-written, state-of-the-art overview of all the important issues in the field of comparative cognition. It is a great primer for those who want to learn more and an invaluable addition for scholars in the field who want the latest overview.'

Laurie Santos - Professor of Psychology, Yale University, USA

‘This handbook offers the expected comprehensive survey of animal cognition, with authoritative overviews of six major topics, but each of them is also followed by various, often surprising case studies. This refreshing combination of compelling reviews and novel directions reflects the excitement of this emerging field and should inspire experts and novices alike.'

Judith Burkart - Professor of Anthropology, University of Zürich, Switzerland

‘Filled with the latest findings from the researchers who made the discoveries, surprising animal brilliance is revealed. Anyone who loves animals will delight in the chance to look through the window this book provides into the minds of other beings. Be prepared to have your ideas of human exceptionalism challenged.'

Brian Hare - Professor of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, USA

‘What goes on in the minds of other animals? How do they solve problems, remember, and communicate? This compilation brings together leading ethologists and comparative psychologists presenting introductions to the study of animal cognitive capacities and its many captivating research questions.'

Thomas Suddendorf - Professor of Psychology, University of Queensland, Australia, and author of The Gap: The Science of What Separates Us from Other Animals

‘Given the exciting but exponentially-expanding reach of animal cognition research, this handbook is a godsend to novices and experts alike. It offers fresh perspectives written by well-chosen authors, from household names to rising stars. The volume features introductions to six major aspects of cognition each followed by focused articles.'

Andrew Whiten - Wardlaw Professor of Evolutionary and Developmental Psychology, University of St Andrews, UK

‘The volume stands out for several reasons. It features broad introductions and specific in-depth case studies, it covers a wide range of taxa and various contributors have an ecological-evolutionary background. This powerful combination makes this Handbook appealing to all students of animal cognition.'

Redouan Bshary - Professor of Eco Ethology, University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland

‘This handbook is an excellent reference source of information on various kinds of cognitive phenomena in a wide range of animals, ranging from ants to elephants. I cannot imagine any behavioral and cognitive scientist who would not profit from delving into this very fine book. I highly recommend it.'

Ludwig Huber - Head of Comparative Cognition, Messerli Research Institute

‘This is a delightful and comprehensive collection of chapters exploring the animal mind. It provides both breadth and depth, balancing thoughtful topical overviews along with deep dives into specific research areas. This impressive handbook is a must-have for anyone interested in animal minds.'

Evan MacLean - Director of the Arizona Canine Cognition Center and Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, USA

‘In these thorough, detailed essays, animal cognition comes of age, transcending its ethological roots. There are strong reviews of social cognition, learning, and innovation and insightful explorations of representation, episodic memory, reciprocity, and self-recognition. The taxonomic diversity is remarkable. Any behavioral scientist will find much here that is novel and stimulating.'

Alan Bond - Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, USA

‘Highly recommended.’

J. A. Mather Source: Choice Magazine