Chemical signals in giant panda urine ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca )

摘要: The Giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a conservation reliant endangered species and it of increasing importance to establish self-sustaining bear population in breeding stations zoos. However, the major problem captive missing motivation male pandas and/or their inability achieve intromission. In wild, giant are solitary but congregate mate during annual season when female goes into estrus, which lasts for 2 or 3 days only once year. Chemical signals undoubtedly play role reproduction location, choice, advertisement reproductive condition. We used two techniques analyze urinary compounds panda, stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) static headspace analyses (SHS). SBSE confirmed release decanoic acid urine episode seasonal estrogen secretion responsible estrous behavior ovulation. appearance 6–8 prior day peak receptivity females over consecutive years might indicate substance attraction. This finding closely agrees with observations that first start scent marking activities 6 maximum. addition we were able demonstrate presence an unknown ion at m/z 127. shows clear dependency, however, this limited one animal. Applying SHS revealed additional peaked after receptivity. As aforementioned required confirm finding. If substances examined study biological relevance they have potential be as environmental enrichment stimulate naturalistic captivity.