Communication in marsh mongooses (Atilax paludinosus): anal gland secretion and scat discrimination in adults, and individual variation in vocalisations of juveniles

Abstract

Atilax paludinosus is a solitary, nocturnal mongoose that communicates with conspecifics through sound, scent and behavioural displays. Individual variation in vocalisations appears to be restricted to juvenile sounds. Differential responsiveness to scats and anal gland secretions provides preliminary evidence for individual discrimination amongst adults. In particular, there is a Significant difference in responsiveness to scent products from mongooses of the opposite sex. The significance of individual variation in communication patterns of a solitary animal is discussed.