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The Scent Marking Behaviour of the Brown Hyaena Hyaena Brunnea

1980; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 15; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/02541858.1980.11447718

0254-1858

M. G. L. Mills, M. L. Gorman, Margaret E. J. Mills,

Animal and Plant Science Education

AbstractThe deposition onto grass stalks of two distinct, strong-smelling substances produced in the anal scent pouch, is the most common form of scent marking in the brown hyaena (Hyaena brunnea). It is called pasting. The behaviour associated with pasting is described, as is the related functional anatomy of the scent pouch. The dispersion pattern of pastings within a group territory and the rate of marking in different parts of the territory were ascertained by direct observations on radio collared hyaenas. The data were analysed by the computer programs SYMAP and SYMVU which graphically display the data as a three dimensional map. Brown hyaenas leave most pastings in those areas in which they spend most time. This is in the central part of the territory. When they visit the boundaries, however, the frequency of pasting increases. GLC analyses of the pastings from two known individuals show distinct differences in the relative concentrations of the many compounds in the pastings of each. Behavioural observations show that the hyaenas are able to recognize different individuals' pastings. Pasting could function to inform group members of each other's movements as well as to inform outsiders that the territory is occupied.Die deponering op grasstlngels van twee afsonderlike, sterkruikende afskeidings wat in die anale ruiksak geproduseer is, is die algemeenste vorm van ruikmerking in die bruin hiëna (Hyaena brunnea). Dit word 'pasting' genoem. Die gedrag wat met 'pasting' verbonde is word hier beskryf sowel as die funksionele anatomie van die ruiksak. Die verspreidingspatroon van die afskeidings binne 'n groepterritorium en die tempo van merking in verskillende dele van die territorium is vasgestel deur direkte waarnemings op hiënas met radionekbande. Die data is deur die rekenaarprogramme SYMAP en SYMVU, wat grafies die data as 'n driedimensionele kaart vertoon, ontleed. Bruin hiënas deponeer die meeste van hulle afskeidings in die gebiede waar hulle die meeste tyd deurbring. Dit is in die sentrale deel van hulle territorium. Wanneer hulle egter die grense besoek, vermeerder die frekwensie van merking. GKV-ontledings van die afskeidings van twee bekende individue toon duidelike verskille in die relatiewe konsentrasies van die baie verbindings in nie afskeidings van elkeen. Gedragswaarnemings toon dat die hiënas verskillende individue se afskeidings kan herken. 'Pasting' mag funksioneer om groepslede van mekaar se bewegings te vergewis, sowel as om buitestanders te laat weet dat die territorium beset is.