Where to leave a message? The selection and adaptive significance of scent-marking sites for Eurasian lynx

Communication is a central component of animal behaviour, yet communicative behaviours are poorly studied due to their complexity and varied functions. Pumas (Puma concolor) are wide-ranging, solitary felids that primarily use indirect cues (e.g., scent marking) for communication. Because these cryptic carnivores are rarely observed directly, little is known about their vocalizations in the wild. We recorded a variety of Puma vocalizations among females and family groups using motion-triggered video cameras and then attempted to understand the function of each vocalization. We found two categories of vocalizations: 1) attention-attracting (caterwauling and mewing), and 2) calls (contact, agitated, and alarm). Vocalizations to attract attention ranged across broad frequencies. Contact, agitated, and alarm calls are narrow-frequency vocalizations that varied in intensity and were used to communicate with nearby conspecifics. Vocal communication entails risk, and while some Puma vocalizations may provide benefits that outweigh their risk, others are structured to limit detection and risk. These observations highlight the importance of the structure of vocalizations used during different behaviours to understand their adaptive significance.

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Is there a trade-off between scent marking and hunting behaviour in a stalking predator, the Eurasian lynx, Lynx lynx?

Animal Behaviour ◽

10.1016/j.anbehav.2016.04.004 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 117 ◽

pp. 59-68 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Kristina Vogt ◽

Elizabeth Hofer ◽

Andreas Ryser ◽

Mathias Kölliker ◽

Urs Breitenmoser

Keyword(s):

Scent Marking ◽

Lynx Lynx ◽

Eurasian Lynx ◽

Trade Off ◽

Hunting Behaviour

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The scent world of cats: where to place a urine scent mark to increase signal persistence?

Animal Biology ◽

10.1163/15707563-bja10018 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-18

Author(s):

Maja Mohorović ◽

Miha Krofel

Keyword(s):

Environmental Factors ◽

Scent Marking ◽

Area Under The Curve ◽

Adaptive Significance ◽

Scent Mark ◽

Scent Marks ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Predominant Form ◽

Marking Behaviour ◽

Selection Of

Abstract Scent-marking is a predominant form of communication among felids, with urine spraying having a key role. Detectability and longevity of scent marks are recognized as crucial for efficiency of scent-marking, but there is limited research that has tested scent persistence with respect to various environmental factors. We used an experimental framework to measure human-perceived strength of felid urine smell and determine the effects of substrate, tilt and aspect of marked surfaces on persistence of the simulated scent marks. We used area under the curve (AUC), calculated for the scent strength of each scent-marked surface over time, as a proxy for urine scent preservation. Thereafter, we used ANOVA, followed by analysis of differences of interest between the marking sites, to assess the effect of environmental factors on human-perceived scent mark persistence. Odour persisted significantly better on rough surfaces, surfaces covered with moss and on surfaces with overhanging tilts, while there was no significant difference between the northerly- and southerly-oriented surfaces. The results are generally in accordance with the use and selection of marking sites previously reported for wild felids throughout the world, confirming that in their marking behaviour felids strive to prolong the persistence of scent marks. This knowledge will help researchers in interpretation of data on scent-marking and to evaluate the adaptive significance of this behaviour.

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