Electronic Journal of Polish Agricultural Universities (EJPAU) founded by all Polish Agriculture Universities presents original papers and review articles relevant to all aspects of agricultural sciences. It is target for persons working both in science and industry,regulatory agencies or teaching in agricultural sector. Covered by IFIS Publishing (Food Science and Technology Abstracts), ELSEVIER Science - Food Science and Technology Program, CAS USA (Chemical Abstracts), CABI Publishing UK and ALPSP (Association of Learned and Professional Society Publisher - full membership). Presented in the Master List of Thomson ISI.

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Kozakiewicz M. , Kozakiewicz A. 2004. CHEMICAL INFORMATION, SCENT TRAILS AND SPATIAL BEHAVIOUR OF SMALL FOREST RODENTS. A REVIEW, EJPAU 7(2), #03.
Available Online: http://www.ejpau.media.pl/volume7/issue2/biology/abs-03.html

ABSTRACT

Numerous authors indicate a significant role of chemical information (scent) left in the environment in communication between individuals in natural mammal populations. The basic functions of olfactory signals in small forest rodents are believed to include information related to reproduction: identification of sex, age, sexual status and social position of prospective sexual partners. It seems that scent-marking of movement routes thus creating a network of scent trails in the environment, channelling animal movements and making finding the way easier (particularly in case of long-distance movements) is another very important function of scent marking. Some examples of field experiments that confirmed the concept of scent trails are presented and discussed. However, some experiments suggest that besides the use of olfactory information animals have also other possibilities of finding the way in unknown space.

Key words: odour, scent marking, small mammals..

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