Gas-chromatographic analyses of the subcaudal gland secretion of the European badger (Meles meles) part II: time-related variation in the individual-specific composition.

摘要: Individuality in body odors has been described a variety of species, but studies on time-related variation individual scent are scarce. Here, we use GC-MS to investigate how chemical composition subcaudal gland secretions European badgers (Meles meles) varies over days, seasons, and from year year, change with the length time for which they exposed environment. Samples were divided into subsamples—one was frozen immediately remaining ones after 2, 6, 12, 24, 48 hr, respectively—and many individual-specific characteristics scent-profiles remained stable time. However, two components negatively correlated time, thus providing possibility determine age marks. The low found profiles samples collected same three days apart showed that is true characteristic respective badger, trapping subsequent sampling have little effect secretions. Long-term (i.e., one year) not continuous, periods relative stability followed by rapid change, can be related badger biology. Annual between individuals winter 1998 1999, spring 1999 lower than seasonal variation. Therefore, results this study indicate potential an signature evidencing recognition high importance species.