The ability to understand numbers isn’t limited to humans. Research has shown that several animal species can recognise quantities, compare amounts and even perform simple counting tasks.
Scientists have studied these abilities through careful observation and controlled experiments, revealing how animals use numerical understanding for survival, whether it’s choosing the larger food source, coordinating group behaviour or caring for offspring.
While their counting skills are not the same as ours, these findings show that basic numerical awareness may be more widespread in the animal kingdom than once believed.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on information from scientific research and animal cognition studies. Abilities vary within species, and not all individuals display the same behaviours. Images are for illustrative purposes only.
1. Crows
Famous for their intelligence, crows possess counting skills that rival many other animals. Experiments have shown that crows can recognise numbers and even understand the concept of zero.
In controlled studies, they pecked a specific number of times to match the symbols on a screen, proof of true numerical comprehension. Researchers have been impressed by how quickly these birds learn numerical tasks.
Their counting ability likely helps them remember where they’ve hidden food and track potential threats in their environment.
2. Chimpanzees
As our closest relatives, chimpanzees are capable of remarkable cognitive feats. In memory and counting tests, they’ve been able to recognise numerical order on screens faster than some humans.
Studies in Japan found that young chimps could remember sequences of numbers shown for only fractions of a second. Their performance often surpassed that of adult human participants in the same tasks.
This numerical skill may help chimps assess group sizes during territorial disputes or coordinate complex social interactions within their communities.
3. Honeybees
Honeybees can count up to four, a skill that helps them navigate between flowers. Scientists discovered this by placing bees in mazes marked with different numbers of shapes.
The bees consistently chose the correct path when trained to associate a specific number with a reward, which is a sign of basic numerical understanding. Despite having tiny brains, these insects demonstrate surprising mathematical abilities.
Their counting skill likely evolved to help them remember landmarks during foraging trips and communicate distances to other hive members.
4. African Grey Parrots
These parrots don’t just mimic words; they grasp meaning. The most famous example, a parrot named Alex, learned to count objects up to six and distinguish quantities even when the colours and shapes varied.
His work with animal psychologist Dr. Irene Pepperberg proved that some birds can associate numbers with real-world objects. Alex could answer questions about how many items were present with remarkable accuracy.
This numerical competence suggests that parrots process abstract concepts in ways previously thought unique to primates.
5. Elephants
With a brain that weighs around five kilograms, elephants have impressive cognitive abilities that include counting. In studies, they chose buckets containing more pieces of food, showing that they could estimate quantities.
Their sense of number likely helps them keep track of herd members and assess the size of rival groups. Elephants can distinguish between different amounts even when the differences are subtle.
This numerical awareness supports their complex social structures and helps matriarchs make strategic decisions about resource allocation and safety.
6. Frogs
While not mathematicians, certain frog species can distinguish the number of calls made by rivals or potential mates. Female frogs, for example, prefer males that call a specific number of times, suggesting an ability to process and compare numerical patterns.
Scientists tested this by playing recorded calls with varying numbers of croaks. The frogs responded differently based on how many calls they heard.
This primitive counting helps them evaluate mate quality and assess competition levels in their breeding territories during mating season.
7. Pigeons
Often underestimated, pigeons have been trained to recognise numbers and count objects up to nine. In one study, pigeons learned to peck a touchscreen in order, starting from one up to nine, just like a numerical sequence.
Their consistent accuracy suggests an understanding of quantity rather than simple pattern recognition. Researchers found that pigeons could transfer this knowledge to new sets of objects they’d never seen before.
This cognitive flexibility indicates that their numerical abilities may be more sophisticated than previously believed by scientists.
8. Dolphins
Exceptional problem solvers, dolphins can distinguish between groups of different sizes with remarkable precision. Researchers trained dolphins to press buttons corresponding to the number of objects shown underwater, and the animals performed with near-perfect accuracy.
Their natural ability to track group members during hunts may rely on this skill. Dolphins use numerical cognition to coordinate complex hunting strategies and maintain social bonds.
This mathematical awareness helps them make quick decisions about which fish schools to target for the most efficient feeding opportunities.
9. Ants
Even ants show a primitive form of counting. Scientists discovered that desert ants measure steps when travelling between their nest and food sources.
When researchers shortened or lengthened the ants’ legs, the insects misjudged the distance — suggesting they rely on a kind of internal step count to navigate. This pedometer-like system helps them return home accurately across featureless desert terrain.
Their counting mechanism may seem simple, but it represents an elegant solution to a complex navigation problem faced by creatures with limited brain capacity.
