Use of faeces for scent marking in Iberian wolves (Canis lupus)

摘要: The study of the characteristics 232 wolf (Canis lupus) scats from northwestern Spain reveals that faeces were not left at random. They accumulated near trail junctions, where probability interception by other traveling wolves is maximal, and commonly associated with evident reference points (i.e., ashes, decaying bark, isolated shrubs, carrion, promontories, etc.) may visually or olfactorily increase signal's effectiveness. center was clearly preferred to borders, facilitating location scat individuals. If one side more exposed wind, on than other, their deposition margin radius influence even more. These results suggest be important for spacing among Iberian expected, considering minor role assigned in most previous studies scent marking.