Abstract
Scent-marking is the most effective method of communication in the presence or absence of a signaler. These complex mixtures result in a multifaceted interaction triggered by the sense of smell. The objective was to identify volatile organic compound (VOC) composition and odors emitted by total marking fluid (MF) associated with Siberian tigers (Panthera tigris altaica). Siberian tiger, an endangered species, was chosen because its MF had never been analyzed. Solid phase microextraction (SPME) for headspace volatile collection combined with multidimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-olfactometry for simultaneous chemical and sensory analyses were used. Thirty-two VOCs emitted from MF were identified. 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, the sole previously identified compound responsible for the “characteristic” odor of P. tigris MF, was identified along with two additional compounds confirmed with standards (urea, furfural) and four tentatively identified compounds (3-methylbutanamine, (R)-3-methylcyclopentanone, propanedioic acid, and 3-hydroxybutanal) as being responsible for the characteristic aroma of Siberian tiger MF. Simultaneous chemical and sensory analyses improved characterization of scent-markings and identified compounds not previously reported in MF of other tiger species. This research will assist animal ecologists, behaviorists, and zookeepers in understanding how scents from specific MF compounds impact tiger and wildlife communication and improve management practices related to animal behavior. Simultaneous chemical and sensory analyses is applicable to unlocking scent-marking information for other species.
Highlights
At the beginning of the 20th century there were over 100,000 tigers in the wild, which constituted nine Panthera tigris subspecies
The 75 μm CAR/PDMS fiber with a 0.25 mL sample quantity, 24 h extraction at 37 ̋ C was selected as the most efficient to characterize the volatile organic compound (VOC) within tiger marking fluid (MF)
The 75 μm CAR/PDMS fiber was the only fiber coating that extracted enough mass for detecting the matching signature molecular ions and characteristic odors of all the “nutty” and “urinous” compounds emitted from tiger MF
Summary
At the beginning of the 20th century there were over 100,000 tigers in the wild, which constituted nine Panthera tigris subspecies. There are fewer than 3500 remaining in the wild [1] and about 7200 in captivity. This represents an approximate 97% decline since 1900. Recent estimates put the number of Siberian tiger population to be critically endangered, with approximately 350 remaining in the wild [1]. A worldwide scientific effort is required to prevent the complete eradication of the six remaining tiger subspecies (Panthera tigris tigris, Panthera tigris corbeti, Panthera tigris jacksoni, Panthera tigris amoyensis, Panthera altaica, and Panthera tigris sumatrae) [1,2]
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