Scent Marking of Home Ranges in the Different Generations of the Siberian Musk Deer Moschusmoschiferus L. 1757 Meaning of Caudal Glands

In a key plot in the coniferous mountain forest of the Sikhote-Alin Biosphere Reserve, we studied the structure of the musk deer grouping, the distribution of scent marks by the excretion of the male caudal glands (MGC) in home ranges in winter seasons of 1977–1977 and 2003–2004. We used the method of tracking multi-days of individually identifiable, accustomed to the observer, musk deer specimens. The data indicate significant similarities in male movement, location of home ranges, activity cores, and main marking areas for generations of musk deer separated by a time interval of almost 30 years, which is typical under relatively stable environmental conditions. The features and correlations in the distribution of scent marks in the centers of activity of the male home ranges were determined. Neighboring males formed communication zones between home ranges, usually with an increased frequency of marking and often with a high scent marks density. These zones also have the meaning of “soft” barriers. However, there was no direct relationship between the indices of frequency and density of marks. In the case of visits of neighbors, significant marks densities were located in the cores of the home ranges activity. Some redundancy in the number of marking means is probably associated with the individualization of the territory and with possible changes in the composition and structure of the grouping. MGC marking is part of a general behavioral stereotype that determines the adaptive dispersal of individuals in an association according to environmental conditions. It is effective for stabilizing the grouping structure, including in the process of the generation change, for regulation of the males distribution and it indirectly consistent with the females distribution.

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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The datasets used in this study are openly available at [repository link] and the source code is available on GitHub at [GitHub link].

This work did not receive any external funding.