Scent communication in the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) and potential applications for population monitoring

摘要: Scent is thought to be the most important mode of communication for many mammalian species, including otters. Spraint surveys, used widely monitor otter populations, describe distribution only. Discrimination between identity parameters through chemical analysis scent marks has been conducted species but feasibility using this enhance population monitoring not fully tested. Scent presentation experiments were on captive otters and provided some evidence that can determine sex reproductive status depositor. These provide first a potential role both volatile non-volatile compounds in communication, revealed learn where signals are likely presented. A series optimise methods scent. A combination sample collection from carcasses enabled description nature was associated with age, status, diet. individual females, progesterone concentrations, suggesting behaviours. Spatial at national scale differences genetically distinct subpopulations On catchment there no association similarity spatial proximity. Although differed significantly identity, sufficient resolution allow discrimination unknown samples collected wild. This thesis makes several major steps towards unravelling complexity adds knowledge biology behaviour.