Able to scent mark
Scent marking is used to communicate information about the land or area primarily to other members of the same species and usually to declare territory. Where scent marks are picked up by other species, particularly by prey animals, it allows them to avoid potentially hazardous encounters. Mammals deposit urine, dung or the secretions from special scent glands as a warning to others of its presence and its claim to the area.
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Spraying (also known as territorial marking) is behavior used by animals to identify their territory. Most commonly, this is scent marking, accomplished by depositing strong-smelling chemicals such as urine at prominent locations within the territory. Not only does the marking communicate to others of the same species, but it is also noted by prey species and avoided. For example felids such as leopards and jaguars mark by rubbing themselves against vegetation. Some prosimians, such as the Red-bellied Lemur, also use scent marking to establish a territory. Many ungulates, for example the Blue Wildebeest, use scent marking from two glands, the preorbital gland and a scent gland in the hoof.
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Other Communication and senses Adaptations
- Able to echolocate
- Able to scent mark
- Adapted for ultrasound
- Bioluminescent
- Pheromone signaller
Elsewhere on the web
- Spraying (animal behavior) (wikipedia.org)
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