Journal article

Publication year: 1998

Pages: 1-15

Journal: Zeitschrift für Jagdwissenschaft

Volume number: 44

Issue number: 1

ISSN: 0044-2887

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02239879

Publisher: Springer Verlag

Abstract: 

The scent marking behaviour of three pairs of pine martens of different ages was recorded from January to December 1991 (Table 1). The following behaviour patterns were differentiated: Defecation and urination, fecal-marking, urine-marking, abdominal rubbing, body rubbing and scratching with the hind-legs (Fig. 1). Scratching with the hind-legs and possibly body rubbing are associated with the agonistic context.

Abdominal rubbing is by far the most frequent marking behaviour (Table 2). Abdominal rubbing and urine marking correlate to a high degree (Tables 3, 4). Both behaviour patterns can frequently be seen in the three year old and the five)ear old animals, especially the males, from March to May, in the one year old animals in autumn and winter (Fig. 2, Table 5). The seasonal changes in marking frequency are considered as connected to the territorial behaviour. The different behaviour of the yearlings is discussed as an age-specific adaptation.

Abdominal rubbing always took place at the same sites. These marking sires were used by both partners (Table 6). In natural environments these common marking sires may be used for an exchange of information.

Sometimes abdominal rubbing happens in relation to a conspecific (Table 7). The animals mark on the body of the partner (allomarking), in visual contact with the partner, or they mark at a site, which was just marked by the partner (overmarking). Up to now, allomarking was not observed by any other solitary species of native mustelids.

Harvard Citation style: Ludwig, B. (1998) Scent marking in pine martens (Martes martes) in captivity, Zeitschrift für Jagdwissenschaft, 44(1), pp. 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02239879

APA Citation style: Ludwig, B. (1998). Scent marking in pine martens (Martes martes) in captivity. Zeitschrift für Jagdwissenschaft. 44(1), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02239879