Sex Differences in Olfactory Behaviours Reflect the Importance of Scent Marking for Social Integration in Adult Females and Competition Between Reproductively Active Males in the Spotted Hyena

摘要: We investigated the effect of sex, social status and life-stage on three behaviours (pasting, dry-pasting pawing) associated with olfactory communication in spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta). Pasting is a behaviour used to place fatty, anal scent gland secretion vegetation. Dry-pasting resembles pasting except that not deposited, but instead pasted vegetation by other clan members smeared ventral side animal. Pawing vigorous scratching ground one then front paw, which deposits from inter-digital glands at sites. Our focus was within groups termed clans. obtained data individually known large clans Serengeti National Park, northern Tanzania. Data were collected communal dens, are important centres, elsewhere territory. Adult female’s rates significantly declined increasing age indicated younger adult females invested more than older depositing anointing themselves members. Females pawed rarely. reproductively active males (mostly immigrant few natal males) above median higher those below den, This may result reduced opportunity for mark den because presence socially dominant males. Alternatively, lower-ranking male (i.e. recent immigrant) gain fitness benefits concealing its identity den-bound juvenile females, this would increase number consider it potential mate throughout tenure clan. Males rate both territory status. conclude these sex differences reflect importance (1) mixing between during their initial years integration into hierarchy; (2) male-male competition terms pawing possibly den; (3) mostly away den.