The role of olfactory communication in the social systems of ground-dwelling sciurids [Le rôle de la communication olfactive dans les systèmes sociaux des écureuils fouisseurs].

Résumé

Ground squirrels (Spermophilus), prairie dogs (Cynomys), and marmots (Marmota) possess a variety of specialized scent glands, including oral, anal, and dorsal glands. These glands may be used to deposit scent passively during the animal's daily, routine activities and also actively during stereotyped scent-marking behaviors. In addition, many social and "greeting" behaviors appear to involve the investigation of scent-producing areas, suggesting that these scents may play a role in olfactory communication. The available evidence from observation and experimentation suggests that the biological odors produced by ground-dwelling sciurids may be particularly important in agonistic interactions and in individual and group recognition. Anal glands are generally extruded during stressful and agonistic situations, but the significance of this behavior is not well understood. Oral and dorsal gland secretions may be involved in individual and group recognition. Moreover, these and other odor sources, such as urine, may communicate information on sexual identity, reproductive condition, or dominance status. Unfortunately, the paucity of experimental work on sciurid biological odors makes it impossible to reach more definitive conclusions regarding the function and evolutionary significance of these odors. Simple field and laboratory experiments that may hep to remedy this situation are discussed.