| Title: | "Otter scent signals age, sex, and reproductive status" |
| Author(s): | Kean EF; Muller CT; Chadwick EA; |
| Address: | "Cardiff University Otter Project, Biomedical Science Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK. Keanef@cardiff.ac.uk" |
| ISSN/ISBN: | 1464-3553 (Electronic) 0379-864X (Linking) |
| Abstract: | "Scent is used across taxa to communicate information about signaler identity. Eurasian otters Lutra lutra are mainly solitary and thought to use scent as their primary means of communication. Little is known, however, about what information otters communicate through scent or what social function this performs. Headspace solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to sample and analyze volatile organic compounds from anal scent gland secretion from 158 otters of differing sex, age, and female reproductive status. Univariate and multivariate differences were clear between adult and juvenile otters. Complex sex differences were apparent in adult otters but not in younger individuals, suggesting the use of this scent secretion in mate attraction. The scent of pregnant and lactating females was highly differentiated from male and juvenile scent, but anecdotal reports suggest females avoid communication during these times" |
| Keywords: | Age Factors *Animal Communication Animals Female Male Multivariate Analysis Odorants Otters/*physiology Scent Glands/*metabolism Sex Factors Sexual Maturation *Volatile Organic Compounds; |
| Notes: | "MedlineKean, Eleanor F Muller, Carsten T Chadwick, Elizabeth A eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't England 2011/03/30 Chem Senses. 2011 Jul; 36(6):555-64. doi: 10.1093/chemse/bjr025. Epub 2011 Mar 28" |
