« Previous AbstractInvestigations of the diurnal cycle and mixing state of oxalic acid in individual particles in Asian aerosol outflow    Next AbstractFeeding responses of snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) to volatile constituents of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) urine »

J Chem Ecol

Title:		Influence of mustelid scent-gland compounds on suppression of feeding by snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus)
Author(s):		Sullivan TP; Crump DR;
Address:		"Applied Mammal Research Institute, 23523 47th Avenue, R. R. No. 7, V3A 4R1, Langley, B. C., Canada"
Journal Title:		J Chem Ecol
Year:		1984
Volume:		10
Issue:		12
Page Number:		1809 - 1821
DOI:		10.1007/BF00987363
ISSN/ISBN:		0098-0331 (Print) 0098-0331 (Linking)
Abstract:		"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"
Keywords:
Notes:		"PubMed-not-MEDLINESullivan, T P Crump, D R eng 1984/12/01 J Chem Ecol. 1984 Dec; 10(12):1809-21. doi: 10.1007/BF00987363"