Scent marking in wild banded mongooses: 1. Sex-specific scents and overmarking

摘要: Overmarking occurs when one individual places its scent mark directly on top of the another individual. Although it is almost ubiquitous among terrestrial mammals, we know little about function overmarking and detailed field observations are rare. We investigated chemical composition scents patterns by wild banded mongooses, Mungos mungo. Chemical analyses anal gland secretions showed that were sexually dimorphic. Both male female adults more likely to overmark same-sex individuals. An analysis responses two same site suggested sex or most recent was important than bottom original in determining response. Juveniles also overmarked at high rates, but did not respond a sex-specific way. Same-sex-specific within groups have been described any other species, may reflect social system with intense intrasexual competition for reproduction both sexes. Banded mongooses live large mixed-sex groups, between males females, owing heavily male-biased adult ratio highly synchronized oestrous cycles. Oestrous synchronization promote as females compete simultaneously high-quality males. Female be enhanced rewards parental care. This investigation highlights need studies natural context, confirm expand upon laboratory findings.