A mechanism for individual recognition by odour in Herpestes auropunctatus (Carnivora: Viverridae)

The anal pockets of Herpestes auropunctatus are used in marking and give a distinctive odour to the animal. The contents of the pocket include six, short-chain, odorous carboxylic acids; these are produced from sebum and apocrine secretions by bacterial action. The relative concentrations of the six acids vary from one individual to another, giving each a different odour. Mongooses can discriminate between the anal pocket contents of conspecifics and also between synthetic odours made from pure acids.