Anal Gland Secretion Research Articles

Pheromonal activity of single castoreum constituents in beaver,Castor canadensis

Behavioral activity of single components of beaver castoreum was demonstrated for the first time. In four experiments samples were presented to free-ranging beaver in their family territories. First, responses to whole castoreum and anal gland secretion (AGS) from males and females were tested. Second, 24 compounds, known to be constituents of beaver castoreum, were individually screened for activity. Four of these consistently released immediate responses during the observation periods. These are the phenols 4-ethylphenol and 1,2-dihydroxybenzene and the ketones acetophenone and 3-hydroxyacetophenone. In the most complete responses, the beaver sniffed from the water, were attracted to the odor, swam toward its source, went on land, and then approached, sniffed, pawed, and scent-marked the artificial scent mound. 4-Ethoxyphenol, a compound not yet found in castoreum, also released these responses. Five additional compounds resulted in a few delayed visits to the samples during the night following the observations, as evidenced by destroyed scent mounds. These are 4-methyl-1,2-dihydroxybenzene, 4-methoxyacetophenone, 5-methoxysalicylic acid, salicylaldehyde, and 3-hydroxybenzoic acid. Third, mixtures of 24 and six compounds were tested. Responses to these mixtures could be as strong as those to whole castoreum. Fourth, the four regularly active compounds were tested in two additional beaver populations and proved to be active there, too. The response was strongest in the densest beaver population.

Control of vole populations in young pine plantations in northeast China

This paper reports influences of rodent pests on forest regeneration in northeastern China and methods, other than toxicants, to reduce feeding damage to trees by the red-backed vole (Clethrionomys rufocanus). Studies were conducted in 7- to 8-year-old plantations of Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris) at NanGou Forest Farm, 15 km southeast of Langxiang, Heilongjiang Province. Stem analysis indicated that radial growth was reduced 27.5 % and height growth 30.5% in damaged (sub-lethal) versus undamaged trees. Synthetic predator odour repellents based on weasel (Mustela erminea) anal-gland secretion significantly reduced damage whereas red fox (Vulpes vulpes) components did not. Alternative foods composed of Korean pine (P. koraiensis) bark mulch, soybean oil, and wax significantly reduced damage in terms of feeding attacks and complete girdling. A sound silvicultural approach to rodent pest management could include repellents in combination with alternative foods. These tactics may be enhanced through alteration of vole habitat by reduction of vegetative competition in young stands.

Differences in uptake of persistent pollutants for predators feeding in aquatic and terrestrial habitats

Persistent pollutants in mustelid species (e.g. otter, mink, marten) were investigated. For a given animal, concentration of PCB and DDT in muscle were correlated with concentrations in its anal gland secretion. The correlation suggests that small samples of secretion could be used for pollutant analysis thereby eliminating the need to sacrifice animals. There was also a correlation between muscle and liver concentrations of these compounds, indicating a partitioning between different organs.Furthermore, we showed that habitat differences between species led to interspecific variation in the uptake of persistent pollutants. Mink, which mainly feed in aquatic environments, contained a higher proportion of p, p‐DDT than marten, which feeds on terrestrial prey. Differences in PCB uptake were also noted between the two predators, though the congener distribution was heavily domined by a few hexa‐ and heptachlorobiphenyls.

Volatile components of anal gland secretion of aardwolf (Proteles cristatus)

Volatile constituents of the anal gland secretion and of scent marks of the aardwolf were identified using dynamic solvent effect sampling, capillary gas-liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry. Both scent marks and gland contents consisted mainly of short- to medium-chain fatty acids, a complex series of medium- and long-chain esters, indole, and hexanol. There were marked individual differences in the relative concentrations of the various components.

Experimental habitat scenting inhibits colonization by beaver,Castor canadensis

Unoccupied beaver (Castor canadensis) sites in New York State were for two years experimentally scented with a mixture of beaver castoreum and anal gland secretion. These sites were colonized less often than unscented control sites. The beaver is the first mammal to have been shown experimentally to use intraspecific odor cues when settling in vacant habitat. Territorial pheromones may be useful as repellents for beaver or other rodents.

Scent marking in free-ranging tigers, Panthera tigris

Data were colleted on the scent-marking patterns of radio-collared and visually identifiable tigers for 4 years in Royal Chitwan National Park, Nepal. Five categories of marking were recorded: urine spraying; scraping with deposits of urine faeces, and anal gland secretions; clawing; cheek rubbing; and vegetation flattening. Urine spraying and scraping were the predominant forms of marking in this population. Tigers marked more heavily at territorial boundaries than in the interior of territories. Furthermore, in border areas marks were highly clumped at contact zones where major routes of travel approached territorial boundaries. This pattern appears to be a result of the density of vegetation which channels travel. The intensity of marking in these zones represented a higher frequency of marking rather than an increase in time spent in these areas. Marking was most intensive when tigers were establishing territories, and animals on adjacent territories appeared to mark in response to each other. Females marked intensively just prior to oestrus; this behaviour was reduced during oestrus. Males marked more frequently when females were in oestrus than during other stages of the females' cycle. A model is proposed where an odour field signals the risk of encountering a conspecific, thus allowing animals to compare the costs of possible encounters with the benefits of use of a given area.

Volatile Components from the Anal Glands of the Yellow MongooseCynictis Penicillata

Twenty-two components of the odour of the anal-gland secretions of a male and a female yellow mongoose Cynictis penicillata were identified by dynamic solvent effect sampling, gas-liquid chromatogr...

The anal gland secretion of the European badger (Meles meles) and its role in social communication

The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical profile and hence the potential biological function of anal gland secretion in the European badger (Meles meles). Samples of secretion collected from wild and captive animals were analysed using gas chromatography. Analysis of whole secretion revealed the scent profiles of all samples to be remarkably similar. No evidence was found to suggest that the secretion contained information about the individual identity or sex of its producer, although some evidence was found of group differences in odour profile. Analysis of methylated samples revealed the secretion to be of low volatility, containing a number of long‐chain (> C14) fatty acids, 15 of which were identified. The results are consistent with the idea that badger anal gland secretion functions as a long‐term territory marker.

Volatile components of the anal gland secretion of the striped polecatIctonyx striatus

The volatile components of the anal gland secretion of an adult, male, Ictonyx striatus were separated and identified by dynamic solvent effect sampling, capillary gas-liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry. The major component was 2-ethylthiacyclobutane. Nine other sulphur compounds, a ketone, and a hydrocarbon were also identified. Some of these occur in the anal gland secretions of other mustelids.

Chemistry and functions of exocrine secretions of the antsTapinoma melanocephalum and T. erraticum

Volatile constituents produced by ant workers belonging to the speciesTapinoma melanocephalum andT. erraticum have been analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The pygidial (=anal) gland secretion ofT. melanocephalum is fortified with 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one and actinidine (the mass spectrum of which is corrected in this paper). An unidentified compound was detected in cephalic extracts. The pygidial gland secretion ofT. erraticum was also dominated by 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, in addition to two isomers of iridodial, and iridomyrmecin. The sternal glands contained iridodial and C15-C20 hydrocarbons. Workers ofT. melanocephalum effectively utilize their pygidial gland secretions as an alarm-defense system during aggressive encounters with workers ofSolenopsis geminata. 6-Methyl-5-hepten-2-one is active as a releaser of alarm behavior, and actinidine is repellent to workers ofT. melanocephalum. Cephalic extracts possessed attractant and arrestant properties for workers of this species.

Demonstration of an odorous intramale primer effect in short-tailed vole,Microtus agrestis L.

Anal (proctodeal) glands of maleMicrotus agrestis housed in social isolation undergo severe atrophy. Their weight and volume is significantly lower than those of the stock control males. The atrophied glands can be revived by subjecting deprived voles to various social odors. Atrophied glands of isolated males do not respond to the odors of male and female urine, voided feces of females, and unvoided feces of males. Atrophied anal glands of males exposed to voided male feces (which have passed the orifice of the anal gland) and soiled bedding from adult males show strong recrudescence. The mean weight and volume of the glands and plasma testosterone level are significantly higher than of males maintained in complete social isolation, although they are significantly less than those of stock control males. Atrophied glands of socially deprived males strongly respond to the odor of ethereal extract of gland secretion. In males exposed daily to anal gland secretion extract, the weight and volume of the gland and plasma testosterone level increase and are not significantly different from those of stock controls. They enjoy higher plasma testosterone levels and consequently larger and more active anal glands than complete isolates.

Effect of anosmia on reproduction in male and female wolves ( Canis lupus)

Anosmia was produced in two female and three male wolves by transection of the olfactory peduncle and was confirmed by their inability to detect meat, urine, feces, anal-gland secretions, and fish emulsion. All operated animals continued to investigate the environment with their noses, to interact normally with other pack members, and to feed at levels which maintained presurgical body weights. No effect was found on reproductive physiology (females: estradiol or progesterone concentrations, ovulation, pregnancy or parturition; males: testosterone, testicular recrudescence or sperm numbers, motility or maturation). One anosmic female became dominant and although she urine-marked with a flexed leg, the rate was lower than typical for dominant females and perhaps contributed to her failure to pair-bond with the dominant male. One anosmic male raised-leg-urinated while competing for pack dominance and when kenneled away from other males. Precopulatory, copulatory, and maternal behavior were observed for one anosmic female and appeared normal. However, neither male that was sexually naive before surgery showed interest in proestrous or estrous females. The possibility that secondary degeneration of brain regions mediating sexual behavior was responsible for the failure of these males to respond was not supported. Not only was the lack of male sexual response the only serious deficit following transection, but the male which was sexually experienced prior to surgery did copulate successfully during his second postoperative breeding season despite continued anosmia. Chemosensory priming from female urine during the protracted proestrous phase, as well as urinary and vaginal odors during estrus, appear to be critical for induction of full sexual potency in sexually naive males. The importance of urine and vaginal secretions in the sexual response of experienced males is uncertain.

Influence of Wolverine (Gulo gulo) Odor on Feeding Behavior of Snowshoe Hares (Lepus Americanus)

The recognition of a predator through perception of olfactory cues is a widespread phenomenon among mammalian species (Stoddart, 1980a). The influences of predator odors on prey behavior include reduced feeding by deer (Odocoileus) when exposed to fecal odors (Melchiors and Leslie, 1985; Muller-Schwarze, 1972, 1983; Sullivan et al., 1985b), cautious behavior of ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi) to predatory snake odor (Henessy and Owings, 1978), and reduced capture of short-tailed voles (Microtus agrestis) exposed to weasel odor (Stoddart, 1976, 1980b, 1982). Sullivan et al. (1985a) reported that feeding behavior of snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) was suppressed by the urine and anal gland secretions of several predators (Mustelidae). The purposes of this study were to: 1) describe an odor-elicited behavioral interaction between a wolverine (Gulo gulo) and a population of snowshoe hares; and 2) assess the influence of wolverine urine on feeding behavior of hares in a) pen and b) field situations. The original stimulus for this investigation arose from a wolverine attack on hares in live-traps during the final night of a monitoring session (October 1980) on a 9-ha checkerboard trapping grid (100 trap stations located at 30-m intervals with one trap at every other station). This grid was located in a young stand of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) near Prince George, British Columbia, Canada. The wolverine could not remove hares from the cage traps (23 by 23 by 80 cm, Tomahawk Live Trap Co.) but consumed whatever body parts that could be reached. Only traps on one-half (left side) of the 9-ha grid were disturbed. Traps were not cleaned nor moved from their original locations. The presence of a wolverine on the grid, and in the general area, was independently confirmed by tracks and capture of the animal by the local fur trapper. The numbers of hares captured on the left/right halves of the grid prior to the wolverine attack were 21 and 20 in August and 24 and 29 in October, and after the wolverine attack were 0 and 14 in December and 24 and 31 in February. No hares were captured on the wolverine side of the grid during the December trapping session even though tracks in freshly-fallen snow indicated that hares were present. However, snowshoe hares entered traps and were captured on the other ('control') half of the grid. The strength of this avoidance response declined by the February trapping session when comparable numbers of hares were captured on both halves of the grid. There was 15 cm of snow on the ground and overnight low temperatures averaged -250C during the 3-night December trapping session. Therefore, the stimulus causing hares to avoid wolverine-attacked traps was presumably associated with the traps themselves rather than some object in the natural environment which would have been covered by snow. Thus, the traps were possibly marked as territorial or food cache sites by wolverine anal gland secretion, urine, or feces (see Haglund, 1966; Koehler et al., 1980; Pulliainen and Ovaskainen, 1975). If this was the case, one or more odors persisted for 8 weeks from October to December. An alternative explanation was the presence of hare blood on the traps which might have caused the negative response. To determine the effect of the anal gland secretion, urine, and feces of wolverine on the feeding (consumption of willow, Salix spp., browse) behavior of snowshoe hares, a series of pen bioassays was conducted by Sullivan et al. (1985a). Results of these controlled experiments indicated that fecal odor was not effective, anal gland secretion was marginally effective, and urine odor was highly effective in suppressing feeding by hares. Thus, pen and field bioassays designed to assess the effect of wolverine urine odor on consumption of lodgepole pine seedlings (a highly preferred food during spring and autumn) by hares was initiated. In addition, pen bioassays were conducted to assess the effect of a) hare blood and b) black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) urine (sympatric non-predator species) on feeding by hares. Pen bioassays were conducted at the Applied Mammal Research Institute, Langley, British Columbia.

Scent Marking Behavior in a Captive Group of Meerkats (Suricata suricatta)

This study describes the scent marking behavior of a captive group of meerkats ( Suricata suricatta ). Anal gland secretions were deposited most often by the leg lift movement. Both males and females marked regularly and the frequency of marking by individuals fluctuated over time. Not all prominent objects in the enclosure were consistent targets of leg lifts. Novel objects, even when identical to established marking targets, were not marked over a period of several months and the scent of an unfamiliar conspecific did not increase marking. Frequency of marking did increase after established scent posts were cleaned, when access to posts was prevented prior to an observation, and when an unfamiliar conspecific was present. The results suggest several factors that contribute to the control of anal gland marking and perhaps multiple functions for the behavior. Evidence also was found to suggest that body rubs are used to acquire odors deposited by leg lifts.

Scent Marking With Faeces and Anal Secretion in the European Badger (Meles Meles): Seasonal and Spatial Characteristics of Latrine Use in Relation To Territoriality

Badgers (Meles meles) defecate and scent mark in open pits ('dung pits') which seem to have territorial significance. We carried out a year-round survey of badger defecation sites in order to assess seasonal and spatial characteristics of site use. Our results show that badgers defecate at two different types of site, which we refer to as 'latrines' and 'temporary defecation sites' (TDS's) respectively. Latrines are relatively large aggregations of dung pits (up to 25 separate pits) that are visited year-round; they are largest in spring (April) and autumn (October); they are more numerous around the perimeter of a territory; they are associated with fences and roads; and they often contain anal-gland secretion as well as faeces. TDS's, by contrast, are single dung pits or small aggregations of pits that are used only once or twice and are then abandoned; they are most numerous in mid-winter (December and January); they are scattered throughout the territory both close to and away from fences and roads; and they do not usually contain anal secretion. Spatial and seasonal changes in frequency of TDS's are shown to correlate with food availability and with foraging behaviour, and we conclude that TDS's have no special function beyond elimination of faeces. Latrines, however, do seem to have communicatory significance, and we conclude that they are concerned with territory defence. Since seasonal changes in latrine use correlate more closely with mating than with food availability we suggest that territoriality in badgers may be related more to defence of oestrus females by resident males than to defence of food resources.

Chemistry of the anal glands of Bothriomyrmex syrius forel. Olfactory mimetism and temporary social parasitism.

The anal gland secretions of Bothriomyrmex syrius Forel workers contain cis-3-dodecenoic acid and small amounts of trans-2-dodecenoic acid and oleic acid. The female secretions consist of 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one and a trace of alpha-terpineol. The presence of the ketone in the female secretion may explain the success of these ants as temporary social parasites of the Tapinoma ants.

The use of urine, faeces, and anal-gland secretions in scent-marking by a captive wolf ( Canis lupus) pack

The use of urine, faeces, and anal-gland secretions in scent-marking by a captive wolf ( Canis lupus) pack

Anal gland secretions of the stoat (Mustela erminea) and the ferret (Mustela putorius formafuro)

Two new thietanes,cis- andtrans-2-ethyl-3-methylthietane, have been identified in the anal gland secretion of the stoat, and 2-isopropyl thietane has been characterized from the anal gland secretion of the ferret. Conflicting published data are reevaluated.

Use of predator odors as repellents to reduce feeding damage by herbivores

The effectiveness of predator odors (fecal, urine, and anal scent gland) in suppressing feeding damage by snowshoe hares was investigated in pen bioassays at the University of British Columbia Research Forest, Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada. A total of 28 bioassay trials tested the effects of these odors on hare consumption of willow browse and coniferous seedlings. Lynx and bobcat feces, weasel anal gland secretion, and lynx, bobcat, wolf, coyote, fox, and wolverine urines resulted in the most effective suppression of hare feeding damage. Novel odors of domestic dog urine and 2-methylbutyric acid did not reduce feeding. A field bioassay with lodgepole pine seedlings and weasel scent provided significant results comparable to the pen bioassays. The short-term (up to seven days) effectiveness of these treatments was more likely due to evaporative loss of the active repellent components of a given odor than habituation of hares to the stimulus. Predator odors as repellents have a biological basis compared with the anthropomorphic origins of commercial repellents. When encapsulated in weather-proof controlled-release devices, these odors could provide long-term protection for forestry plantations and agricultural crops which experience hare/rabbit feeding damage.

Influence of mustelid scent-gland compounds on suppression of feeding by snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus)

This study investigated the influence of mustelid anal-gland compounds in suppressing feeding by snowshoe hares on coniferous tree seedlings. Pen and field bioassays indicated that 3-propyl-1,2-dithiolane from the stoat (Mustela erminea), and secondarily, 2,2-dimethylthietane from the mink (M. vison) had a very negative effect on feeding behavior of hares. The major component of stoat anal gland secretions, 2-propylthietane, and the related compounds, thietane and 2-methylthietane, were not effective. 3,3-Dimethyl-1,2-dithiolane from the least weasel (M. nivalis) and ferret (M. putorius) and di-n-propyldisulfide (acyclic analog of 3-propyl-1,2-dithiolane) similarly did not affect hare feeding. 3-Propyl-1,2-dithiolane and 2,2-dimethylthietane (also found inM. erminea) may act as interspecific chemical signals which induce a fear or avoidance response in hares. Such compounds have outstanding potential as area repellents to reduce crop and livestock depredations. Our study reports one of the first practical utilizations of mammalian semiochemicals in crop protection and wildlife management.