MAMMALIAN SCENT GLAND MARKING AND SOCIAL-BEHAVIOR

Scent-marking behavior is a common method of olfactory communication among mammalian species [Artiodactyla, Carnivora, Edentata, Primates, Lagomorpha, Marsupialia, Proboscidea, Rodentia]. The concepts of scent marking are reviewed and naturalistic and laboratory illustrations of intraspecific communication are presented. The most informative data and comparative possibilities exist for the following species: ground squirrel, Mongolian gerbil, golden hamster, guinea pig, pika, sugar glider, European rabbit, pronghorn antelope, blacktail deer, Maxwell duiker, lemur monkey and marmoset monkey [Spermophilus columbianus; Meriones unguiculatus; Mesocricetus auratus; Cavia porcellus; Ochotona princeps; Petaurus breviceps papuanus; Oryctolagus cuniculus; Antilocapra americana, Odocoileus hemionus; Cephalophus maxwelli; Lemur catta and Propithecus verrauxi; Callithrix jacchus, Laguinus fuscicollis and Leontideus rosalia]. Generalities and differences among these species and how behaviorists and other biologists, with their unique laboratory and measurement skills, can contribute to the advancement of this research are noted.