1
|
Walker BJJ, Letnic M, Bucknall MP, Watson L, Jordan NR. Male dingo urinary scents code for age class and wild dingoes respond to this information. Chem Senses 2024; 49:bjae004. [PMID: 38319120 DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjae004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemical information in canid urine has been implicated in territoriality and influences the spacing of individuals. We identified the key volatile organic compound (VOC) components in dingo (Canis lupus dingo) urine and investigated the potential role of scents in territorial spacing. VOC analysis, using headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), demonstrated that the information in fresh urine from adult male dingoes was sufficient to allow statistical classification into age categories. Discriminant function analyses demonstrated that the relative amounts or combinations of key VOCs from pre-prime (3-4 years), prime (5-9 years), and post-prime (≥10 years) males varied between these age categories, and that scents exposed to the environment for 4 (but not 33) days could still be classified to age categories. Further, a field experiment showed that dingoes spent less time in the vicinity of prime male dingo scents than other scents. Collectively, these results indicate that age-related scent differences may be discriminable by dingoes. Previous authors have suggested the potential to use scent as a management tool for wild canids by creating an artificial territorial boundary/barrier. Our results suggest that identifying the specific signals in prime-age male scents could facilitate the development of scent-based tools for non-lethal management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J J Walker
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Mike Letnic
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Martin P Bucknall
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Facility, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Lyn Watson
- Dingo Discovery Sanctuary and Research Centre, Australian Dingo Foundation, P.O. Box 502, Gisborne, VIC, Australia
| | - Neil R Jordan
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Taronga Institute of Science and Learning, Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Taronga Conservation Society, Dubbo, NSW 2830, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Leigh KA, Hofweber LN, Sloggett BK, Inman VL, Pettit LJ, Sriram A, Haering R. Outcomes for an arboreal folivore after rehabilitation and implications for management. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6542. [PMID: 37085564 PMCID: PMC10121558 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33535-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Wildlife rehabilitation is a critical part of animal welfare that contributes to species conservation. Despite the resources that go into rehabilitation, how animals fare after release from care is unknown. This is particularly true for cryptic arboreal species where specialist diets in care and low detectability in the wild present challenges for both care and post-release monitoring. We evaluated post-release outcomes for koalas and assessed if koalas were fed appropriately while in care. We monitored 36 koalas that had experienced one of three categories of medical intervention (none, minor, major) during rehabilitation. We examined the drivers of (i) koala survival and (ii) movements post-release, and (iii) evaluated variation between the species of browse fed in care versus browse selected by koalas in-situ. Overall, the post release survival rate of koalas was 58.5%, with only koalas that received medical intervention experiencing mortality. A critical threshold for mortality occurred at two weeks post-release and mortality was related to the measurable indicators of low body condition and poor climbing ability at time of release. In the month following their release, animals translocated furthest from their capture point moved the furthest. There was poor overlap between the tree species that koalas were fed in care and those they utilized post-release. We provide recommendations to address critical gaps in rehabilitation practices, as well as priorities for monitoring animals post-release to improve outcomes for arboreal folivores.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kellie A Leigh
- Science for Wildlife Ltd, PO Box 5, Mount Victoria, NSW, 2786, Australia.
| | - Lacey N Hofweber
- Science for Wildlife Ltd, PO Box 5, Mount Victoria, NSW, 2786, Australia
| | - Brienna K Sloggett
- Science for Wildlife Ltd, PO Box 5, Mount Victoria, NSW, 2786, Australia
| | - Victoria L Inman
- Science for Wildlife Ltd, PO Box 5, Mount Victoria, NSW, 2786, Australia
| | - Lachlan J Pettit
- Science for Wildlife Ltd, PO Box 5, Mount Victoria, NSW, 2786, Australia
| | - Aditi Sriram
- Department of Planning and Environment, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Locked Bag 5022, Parramatta, NSW, 2124, Australia
| | - Ron Haering
- Department of Planning and Environment, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Locked Bag 5022, Parramatta, NSW, 2124, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Schultz AJ, Cristescu RH, Hanger J, Loader J, de Villiers D, Frère CH. Inbreeding and disease avoidance in a free-ranging koala population. Mol Ecol 2020; 29:2416-2430. [PMID: 32470998 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Habitat destruction and fragmentation are increasing globally, forcing surviving species into small, isolated populations. Isolated populations typically experience heightened inbreeding risk and associated inbreeding depression and population decline; although individuals in these populations may mitigate these risks through inbreeding avoidance strategies. For koalas, as dietary specialists already under threat in the northern parts of their range, increased habitat fragmentation and associated inbreeding costs are of great conservation concern. Koalas are known to display passive inbreeding avoidance through sex-biased dispersal, although population isolation will reduce dispersal pathways. We tested whether free-ranging koalas display active inbreeding avoidance behaviours. We used VHF tracking data, parentage reconstruction, and veterinary examination results to test whether free-ranging female koalas avoid mating with (a) more closely related males; and (b) males infected with sexually transmitted Chlamydia pecorum. We found no evidence that female koalas avoid mating with relatively more related available mates. In fact, as the relatedness of potential mates increases, so did inbreeding events. We also found no evidence that female koalas can avoid mating with males infected with C. pecorum. The absence of active inbreeding avoidance mechanisms in koalas is concerning from a conservation perspective, as small, isolated populations may be at even higher risk of inbreeding depression than expected. At risk koala populations may require urgent conservation interventions to augment gene flow and reduce inbreeding risks. Similarly, if koalas are not avoiding mating with individuals with chlamydial disease, populations may be at higher risk from disease than anticipated, further impacting population viability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Schultz
- Global Change Ecology Research Group, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| | - Romane H Cristescu
- Global Change Ecology Research Group, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| | - Jon Hanger
- Endeavour Veterinary Ecology Pty Ltd, Toorbul, QLD, Australia
| | - Jo Loader
- Endeavour Veterinary Ecology Pty Ltd, Toorbul, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Celine H Frère
- Global Change Ecology Research Group, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Seasonal and reproductive variation in chemical constituents of scent signals in wild giant pandas. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2019; 62:648-660. [PMID: 30671887 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-018-9388-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Seasonally reproducing animals show many behavioral and physiological changes during the mating period, including increased signaling for intrasexual competition and mate attraction. We collected 102 anogenital gland secretions (AGS) from marking trees in Foping Nature Reserve, and used gas chromatography mass spectrometry analyze these chemical composition. Of these marks, all but one were from males, confirmed with DNA analysis. We found that several chemical constituents, especially volatile compounds, is present only during the mating season and that the relative abundance of many compounds changed as a function of breeding season, whereas nonvolatile compounds were lower in the mating season. This seasonal variation in chemical composition of AGS most likely plays an important role in governing giant panda reproduction, including mate location, attraction, and male-male competition. The chemical properties of many of these putative chemosignals-such as volatility and longevity-are suggestive of these roles, and undoubtedly contribute to successful reproduction for this species with a characteristically sophisticated chemical communication system. We also found a number of important differences between the chemical constituents of AGS from wild pandas and those found in previous studies with captive pandas, suggesting that inappropriate chemosignal composition may contribute to poor reproductive success in captive breeding programs.
Collapse
|
5
|
Abts KC, Ivy JA, DeWoody JA. Demographic, environmental and genetic determinants of mating success in captive koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus). Zoo Biol 2018; 37:416-433. [PMID: 30488502 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Many factors have been shown to affect mating behavior. For instance, genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are known to influence mate choice in a wide variety of vertebrate species. The genetic management of captive populations can be confounded if intrinsic mate choice reduces or eliminates reproductive success between carefully chosen breeding pairs. For example, the San Diego Zoo koala colony only has a 45% copulation rate for matched individuals. Herein, we investigated determinants of koala mating success using breeding records (1984-2010) and genotypes for 52 individuals at four MHC markers. We quantified MHC diversity according to functional amino acids, heterozygosity, and the probability of producing a heterozygous offspring. We then used categorical analysis and logistic regression to investigate both copulation and parturition success. In addition, we also examined age, day length, and average pairwise kinship. Our post-hoc power analysis indicates that at a power level of 1-β = 0.8, we should have been able to detect strong MHC preferences. However, we did not find a significant MHC effect on either copulation or parturition success with one exception: pairs with lower or no production of a joey had significantly lower MHC functional amino acid diversity in the categorical analysis. In contrast, day length and dam age (or age difference of the pair) consistently had an effect on mating success. These findings may be leveraged to improve the success of attempted pairs, conserve resources, and facilitate genetic management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kendra C Abts
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | | | - J Andrew DeWoody
- Departments of Forestry and Natural Resources and Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Brandies PA, Grueber CE, Ivy JA, Hogg CJ, Belov K. Disentangling the mechanisms of mate choice in a captive koala population. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5438. [PMID: 30155356 PMCID: PMC6108315 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful captive breeding programs are crucial to the long-term survival of many threatened species. However, pair incompatibility (breeding failure) limits sustainability of many captive populations. Understanding whether the drivers of this incompatibility are behavioral, genetic, or a combination of both, is crucial to improving breeding programs. We used 28 years of pairing data from the San Diego Zoo koala colony, plus genetic analyses using both major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-linked and non-MHC-linked microsatellite markers, to show that both genetic and non-genetic factors can influence mating success. Male age was reconfirmed to be a contributing factor to the likelihood of a koala pair copulating. This trend could also be related to a pair's age difference, which was highly correlated with male age in our dataset. Familiarity was reconfirmed to increase the probability of a successful copulation. Our data provided evidence that females select mates based on MHC and genome-wide similarity. Male heterozygosity at MHC class II loci was associated with both pre- and post-copulatory female choice. Genome-wide similarity, and similarity at the MHC class II DAB locus, were also associated with female choice at the post-copulatory level. Finally, certain MHC-linked alleles were associated with either increased or decreased mating success. We predict that utilizing a variety of behavioral and MHC-dependent mate choice mechanisms improves female fitness through increased reproductive success. This study highlights the complexity of mate choice mechanisms in a species, and the importance of ascertaining mate choice mechanisms to improve the success of captive breeding programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parice A. Brandies
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Catherine E. Grueber
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- San Diego Zoo Global, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Carolyn J. Hogg
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Katherine Belov
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Marneweck C, Jürgens A, Shrader AM. Dung odours signal sex, age, territorial and oestrous state in white rhinos. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 284:rspb.2016.2376. [PMID: 28077775 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2016.2376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammals commonly communicate olfactorily via urine. However, the extent to which they communicate via dung, another waste product, is unknown. Behavioural studies suggest that mammals can obtain information from dung odours but are unclear about the information transmitted. Moreover, an understanding of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from dung is limited. To address this, we analysed the odours emitted from the dung of free-ranging white rhinos, and found that 2,3-dimethylundecane signalled an individual's sex, heptanal discriminated age class, nonane defined male territorial status and 2,6-dimethylundecane indicated female oestrous state. To validate these findings, we artificially reproduced key elements of the territorial and oestrous odour profiles (i.e. profiles likely to elicit behavioural responses from receivers). We then exposed free-ranging territorial males to these odours. In response, males elicited behaviours associated with the specific odours (e.g. territorial male (potential threat): reduced latency in assuming vigilance; oestrous female (potential mate): increased investigation). These results indicate that the VOCs identified from the dung of free-ranging individuals do transmit key information. Moreover, as white rhinos of all ages and sexes defecate communally, middens probably act as information centres. Furthermore, as many other mammals defecate communally, olfactory communication via dung odours is likely a widespread phenomenon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Marneweck
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Andreas Jürgens
- Chemical Plant Ecology, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Adrian M Shrader
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ellis W, FitzGibbon S, Pye G, Whipple B, Barth B, Johnston S, Seddon J, Melzer A, Higgins D, Bercovitch F. The Role of Bioacoustic Signals in Koala Sexual Selection: Insights from Seasonal Patterns of Associations Revealed with GPS-Proximity Units. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0130657. [PMID: 26154295 PMCID: PMC4496073 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite being a charismatic and well-known species, the social system of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus--the only extant member of the family Phascolarctidae) is poorly known and much of the koala's sociality and mating behaviors remain un-quantified. We evaluated these using proximity logging-GPS enabled tracking collars on wild koalas and discuss their implications for the mating system of this species. The frequency and duration of male-female encounters increased during the breeding season, with male-male encounters quite uncommon, suggesting little direct mating competition. By comparison, female-female interactions were very common across both seasons. Body mass of males was not correlated with their interactions with females during the breeding season, although male size is associated with a variety of acoustic parameters indicating individuality. We hypothesise that vocal advertising reduces the likelihood of male-male encounters in the breeding season while increasing the rate of male-female encounters. We suggest that male mating-season bellows function to reduce physical confrontations with other males allowing them to space themselves apart, while, at the same time, attracting females. We conclude that indirect male-male competition, female mate choice, and possibly female competition, mediate sexual selection in koalas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William Ellis
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Sean FitzGibbon
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Geoff Pye
- San Diego Zoo Global, P.O. Box 120551, San Diego, California 92112–0551, United States of America
| | - Bill Whipple
- San Diego Zoo Global, P.O. Box 120551, San Diego, California 92112–0551, United States of America
| | - Ben Barth
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Stephen Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Jenny Seddon
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Alistair Melzer
- CQUniversity, Koala Research Centre of Central Queensland, School of Medical and Applied Sciences, Rockhampton, Queensland, 4702, Australia
| | - Damien Higgins
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Fred Bercovitch
- Kyoto University Primate Research Institute & Wildlife Research Center, 41–2 Kanrin, Aichi, Inuyama, 484–8506 Japan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
McLean S. Scent glands of the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/03014223.2014.899506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
10
|
Harris RL, Holland BR, Cameron EZ, Davies NW, Nicol SC. Chemical signals in the echidna: differences between seasons, sexes, individuals and gland types. J Zool (1987) 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. L. Harris
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Tasmania; Hobart Tas. Australia
| | - B. R. Holland
- School of Physical Sciences; University of Tasmania; Hobart Tas. Australia
| | - E. Z. Cameron
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Tasmania; Hobart Tas. Australia
| | - N. W. Davies
- Central Science Laboratory; University of Tasmania; Hobart Tas. Australia
| | - S. C. Nicol
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Tasmania; Hobart Tas. Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
McLean S, Davies NW, Wiggins NL. Scent Chemicals of the Brushtail Possum, Trichosurus vulpecula. J Chem Ecol 2012; 38:1318-39. [PMID: 22976591 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-012-0188-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2012] [Revised: 08/28/2012] [Accepted: 09/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stuart McLean
- School of Pharmacy, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Harris RL, Davies NW, Nicol SC. Chemical composition of odorous secretions in the Tasmanian short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus setosus). Chem Senses 2012; 37:819-36. [PMID: 22871649 DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjs066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The short-beaked echidna is believed to use olfactory cues from a cloacal scent gland to attract and locate mates during the breeding season. We investigated the chemical composition of echidna secretions, including cloacal swabs and solid, "waxy" exudates from the cloaca and spurs. Scent samples from 37 individuals were collected over a 1-year period and analyzed using a range of different analytical techniques. A total of 186 compounds were identified, including volatile carboxylic acids, aldehydes, ketones, fatty acids, methyl esters, ethyl esters, terpenes, nitrogen- and sulphur-containing compounds, alcohols, and aromatics. Long chain and very long chain monounsaturated fatty acids, sterols, and sterol esters were identified as the major constituents of solid exudates, some of which have not previously been described from any animal skin gland. There was a high degree of composition overlap between male and female cloaca swabs; however, there is significant variation, which could mediate echidna mating behavior. Many of the volatile and nonvolatile chemicals detected are used for communication in other species, suggesting that chemical signals have important and diverse functions in echidna social interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Harris
- School of Zoology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ellis W, Bercovitch F, FitzGibbon S, Roe P, Wimmer J, Melzer A, Wilson R. Koala bellows and their association with the spatial dynamics of free-ranging koalas. Behav Ecol 2011. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arq216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
|
14
|
|
15
|
Crawford JC, Boulet M, Drea CM. Smelling wrong: hormonal contraception in lemurs alters critical female odour cues. Proc Biol Sci 2010; 278:122-30. [PMID: 20667870 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2010.1203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals, including humans, use olfaction to assess potential social and sexual partners. Although hormones modulate olfactory cues, we know little about whether contraception affects semiochemical signals and, ultimately, mate choice. We examined the effects of a common contraceptive, medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), on the olfactory cues of female ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta), and the behavioural response these cues generated in male conspecifics. The genital odorants of contracepted females were dramatically altered, falling well outside the range of normal female variation: MPA decreased the richness and modified the relative abundances of volatile chemicals expressed in labial secretions. Comparisons between treatment groups revealed several indicator compounds that could reliably signal female reproductive status to conspecifics. MPA also changed a female's individual chemical 'signature', while minimizing her chemical distinctiveness relative to other contracepted females. Most remarkably, MPA degraded the chemical patterns that encode honest information about genetic constitution, including individual diversity (heterozygosity) and pairwise relatedness to conspecifics. Lastly, males preferentially investigated the odorants of intact over contracepted females, clearly distinguishing those with immediate reproductive potential. By altering the olfactory cues that signal fertility, individuality, genetic quality and relatedness, contraceptives may disrupt intraspecific interactions in primates, including those relevant to kin recognition and mate choice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Chase Crawford
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Box 90383, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|