On the trail of primate scent signals: A field analysis of callitrichid scent‐gland secretions by portable gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry

Abstract

Chemosignals are mediators of social interactions in mammals, providing con-and hetero-specifics with information on fixed (e.g., species, sex, group, and individual identity) and variable (e.g., social, reproductive, and health status) features of the signaler. Yet, methodological difficulties of recording and quantifying odor signals, especially in field conditions, have hampered studies of natural systems. We present the first use of the Torion® portable gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) instrument for in situ chemical analysis of primate scents. We collected and analyzed swab samples from the scent glands and skin from 13 groups (57 individuals) of two sympatric species of wild emperor tamarins, Saguinus imperator, and Weddell's saddleback tamarins, Leontocebus weddelli (Callitrichidae). In total, 11 compounds of interest (i.e., probably derived from the animals) could be detected in the samples, with 31 of 215 samples containing at least one compound of interest. The composition of these 31 samples varied systematically with species, group, sex, and breeding status. Moreover, we tentatively identified seven of the compounds of interest as methyl hexanoate, benzaldehyde, ethyl hexanoate, acetophenone, a branched C15 alkane, 4-methoxybenzaldehyde, and hexadecan-1-ol. As the field of primate semiochemistry continues to grow, we believe that portable GC-MS instruments have the potential to help make progress in the study of primate chemosignaling in field conditions, despite

Characterization of the microbiome and volatile compounds in anal gland secretions from domestic cats (Felis catus) using metagenomics and metabolomics

“…The classes of metabolites detected in the anal gland of companion cats were consistent with those previously found in the glandular secretions of European badgers [33], red foxes [91], meerkats [39], domestic dogs [92], coyotes [93], giant pandas [38], forest musk deer [80], bearded emperor tamarins [94], and owl monkeys [43]. Similar to cats, the glandular microbiomes of these mammalian species also contained volatile compounds such as aldehydes, hydrocarbons, fatty acids, ketones, esters, alcohols, or aromatic compounds.…”

Sexual Dimorphism in Crowned Lemur Scent-Marking

“…This compound is considered a crucial putative semiochemical occurring at all ancestral nodes leading to both urine and glandular markers in many strepsirrhine species [82]. In particular, it has been found in scent-gland secretions released by several primates (i.e., ayes-ayes (Daubentonia madagascariensis) [77], red-ruffed lemurs [12], common marmosets [83], capuchin monkeys [84], emperor tamarins [60,85], Weddell's saddleback tamarins [60,85], owl monkeys [72], mandrills [11,63] and olive baboons [65]) and it has also been reported acting as a cue to genetic quality and as a pheromone in non-primate mammals and other vertebrates (reviewed in [86]). Moreover, hexanal and 1-octen-3-ol are encountered in scent-marks in several non-primate mammals (e.g., lions (Panthera leo), African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus), gray wolves (Canis lupus), house mice (Mus musculus), red foxes (Vulpes vulpes)) (reviewed in [86]) and in ano-genital odour secretions in primates (e.g., aye-ayes [77], red-ruffed lemurs [12], ring-tailed lemurs [26], Coquerel's sifakas [56], common marmosets [83], olive baboons [65]).…”

Chemical cues of identity and reproductive status in Japanese macaques

“…For example, sex hormones can influence the composition of female odor (humans: Michael et al, 1974; rhesus macaques: Michael & Keverne, 1970). Across primate species, the chemical composition of female odor varies between mating and nonmating seasons (ring‐tailed lemurs: Greene & Drea, 2014; Scordato & Drea, 2007; and potentially Milne‐Edwards' sifakas, Propithecus edwardsi : Morelli et al, 2013), across cycle phases (common marmosets: Kücklich et al, 2019; olive baboons: Vaglio et al, 2021; but see for chimpanzees: Fox, 1982), and between reproductive and nonreproductive individuals (tamarins: Poirier et al, 2021; Poirier et al, 2021; owl monkeys: Spence‐Aizenberg et al, 2018). However, only one study of naturally cycling female catarrhines (Afroeurasian monkeys and apes, including humans) has yet found evidence that fine‐scale intra‐cycle variation in vaginal odor intensity correlates with ovulation (Vaglio et al, 2021).…”