Social inhibition of territorial marking in the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus)

摘要: Male gerbils were tested for marking frequency in a residents’ territory over number of days. Experimental animals allowed contact with residents immediately after each trial; control not. Animals exposed to eventually decreased their about 25% males; however, was reestablished novel territories. Olfactory cues from or other intruding males depressed marking. Visual and auditory ineffective. Moreover, odors the colony avoided Y-tube preference test. Autopsies revealed no evidence androgen inhibition stress effects. Evidently, are territorial defend claims primarily by olfactory intimidation.