Chemical cues identify gender and individuality in Giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca).

摘要: The Giant panda communicates with conspecifics by depositing a mixture of volatile compounds (called scent marks) on trees and rocks. Using mass spectrometry, we identified 951 chemical components from glands, urine, vaginal secretions, marks made pandas. the two genders contained similar array chemicals but varied in concentration; specifically, males possessed significantly greater amount short chain fatty acids (F(1, 29) = 18.4, P 0.002). stepwise discriminate analysis relative proportions subset these chemicals, it was possible to classify gender (94% for females) individuality (81% 91% marks. power identify individual reduced due relatedness subjects. By cracking identity code communication, show insights into how animals can match individuals unique profiles. Since radiocollaring is currently banned China, techniques described this paper give field biologists new means track pandas wild.