Abstract
The study of a captive group of woodchucks (Marmota monax) has confirmed the occurrence in this species of a cheek- and chin-rubbing behaviour associated with scent marking. The frequency of this behaviour is high in the spring breeding season and decreases markedly during summer, following a similar decrease in breeding activities. We found no direct relation between hierarchical status and scent-marking rates of individual woodchucks whereas a positive correlation was found between monthly rates of scent marking and agonistic interactions. Dominant individuals sometimes scent marked after agonistic encounters. Scent marking occurred most often during exploration and all individuals used the same marking sites: along paths between burrows and at burrow entrances. Despite the limitations imposed by our captivity conditions, our results seem to agree with the following hypotheses: (i) scent marking could contribute to inform conspecifics about the breeding status of each individual; (ii) in certain circumstances, it may constitute an agonistic signal and enhance the expression of dominance; (iii) it could contribute to the familiarization of the individual with its own environment.
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