An olfactory recognition system in the ferret Mustela furo L. (Carnivora: Mustelidae)

Abstract

This study demonstrates that ferrets can use variations in odours from anal sac secretions as a communication system. Odour preference tests showed that ferrets can discriminate between male and female ferret anal sac odours, between strange and familiar, familiar and their own, and fresh and 1-day-old odours. They did not discriminate between fresh and 2-h-old odours, nor did male ferrets discriminate between the odours of oestrous and anoestrous females. Ferrets were more attracted to the odours of the opposite sex than to those of their own sex. When faced by an opponent, male ferrets were more aggressive in the presence of their own rather than their opponent's odour, and less aggressive with their opponent's odour than with that of a known, dominant animal's odour. These results are consistent with both a sex attraction role and a territorial defence role for anal sac odours. A scent-matching mechanism for territorial defence is supported, although a neighbour-neighbour recognition/avoidance mechanism cannot be rejected. Gas chromatography revealed sexually and individually distinct profiles of volatile compounds in anal sac extracts, but no consistent seasonal trends. Females had high concentrations of 2,3-dimethylthietane and/or 3,4-dimethyl-1,2-dithiolane. Males usually had high concentrations of indole. 2-Propylthietane was an important constituent in most individuals. These differences in concentration were significant and could provide an olfactory recognition system of sex and individual identity.