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Semiochemicals and Social Signaling in the Wild European Rabbit in Australia: I. Scent Profiles of Chin Gland Secretion from the Field

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Abstract

The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) uses the secretion of the chin gland in the maintenance of social status. Previous work has concentrated on secretion collected directly from the animal. In this study, the analysis was conducted by collecting scent marks made by free-ranging animals. Scent marks were found to be concentrated at the center of the area controlled by a social group, and at the boundaries between two adjacent social groups. Only the mark from dominant animals could be identified. Marks were also collected from the skin of rabbits, where they had been placed by the dominant individual. The mark found on the head of a subordinate animal may, in the future, be used to identify the dominant animal of the social group, who placed the mark.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Biostructural and Biomolecular Research, University of Western Sydney, Hawkesbury, Locked bag 1797, Penrith South Delivery Centre, NSW, 1797, Australia

    R. A. Hayes, B. J. Richardson & S. G. Wyllie

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  1. R. A. Hayes
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  2. B. J. Richardson
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  3. S. G. Wyllie
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Correspondence to R. A. Hayes.

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Hayes, R.A., Richardson, B.J. & Wyllie, S.G. Semiochemicals and Social Signaling in the Wild European Rabbit in Australia: I. Scent Profiles of Chin Gland Secretion from the Field. J Chem Ecol 28, 363–384 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1017942426467

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