Scent anointing in mammals: functional and motivational insights from giant pandas

Abstract

Although several mammals impregnate their fur with environmental odors, a phenomenon termed scent anointing or rubbing, the functional relevance of this behavior often is unclear. One theory is that scent anointing could be a form of scent matching with environmental odors to signal competitiveness and home range occupation. In this study we presented giant pandas with a range of odors to determine whether scent matching could provide a functional explanation for scent anointing in this species. We found that only a musk-based perfume elicited significantly more scent-anointing and scent-marking behavior than control. Males were also significantly more likely to scent-anoint and scent-mark than females. A preference for anointing, but not scent marking, when presented with peppermint (an insecticide) also was revealed. Our results suggest that giant pandas differentially scent-anoint with foreign odors to signal home range occupation, and possibly to repel ectoparasites. We also highlight how chemical signaling of resource-holding potential is likely to play an important role in determining competitive interactions between adult male giant pandas.

Anti‐parasitic function of tree‐rubbing behaviour in brown bears suggested by an in vitro test on a generalist ectoparasite

“…In addition, one behaviour can have different functions depending on the context it is performed in (e.g., social play and aggression in canids; Bekoff, 1974). Giant pandas ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca ) self‐anoint by rolling in or rubbing a scent into the integument with their paws, applying environmental odours such as the scent of conspecifics, pine leaves, rotting plant material, alcohol and environmental enrichments (Charlton et al., 2020). The most probable adaptive function for this behaviour is scent‐matching in the context of chemical signalling but anointing with some specific odours could also reflect self‐medicating functions, for example, deter ectoparasites or treat skin conditions (Charlton et al., 2020).…”

“…Giant pandas ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca ) self‐anoint by rolling in or rubbing a scent into the integument with their paws, applying environmental odours such as the scent of conspecifics, pine leaves, rotting plant material, alcohol and environmental enrichments (Charlton et al., 2020). The most probable adaptive function for this behaviour is scent‐matching in the context of chemical signalling but anointing with some specific odours could also reflect self‐medicating functions, for example, deter ectoparasites or treat skin conditions (Charlton et al., 2020). This additional self‐medicative function has also been suggested for American black bears, whose rubbing against resinous objects could function to reduce ectoparasite numbers (Burst & Pelton, 1983).…”

Understanding Circadian and Circannual Behavioral Cycles of Captive Giant Pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) Can Help to Promote Good Welfare

“…During the study period, there was no mating witnessed. Therefore, our analysis consists of investigating the behaviors of scent anointing and anogenital rubbing because they are thought to be ways of signaling home range occupation, competitive ability, and fitness [61][62][63].…”

“…We investigated the rhythms of scent anointing and anogenital rubbing as sexualrelated behaviors because they are associated with signaling home range occupation, competitive ability, and fitness [61][62][63]. The circadian rhythm of scent anointing displayed males concentrating their scent anointing to daylight hours, while the females showed two large peaks of scent anointing in the night in addition to lower frequencies in the day.…”

Report of white-nosed coati (Nasua narica) rubbing itself with feces of tayra (Eira barbara) in Costa Rica

“…Many mammals are known to rub and roll in aromatic plant-and/or animal-derived materials (Reiger 1979;Weldon and Carroll 2007). Various functions for these anointing behaviors have been suggested, such as the use of topically applied chemicals to signal home-range occupancy or to deter ectoparasites (see Charlton et al 2020 for recent discussion). Identifications of the natural materials that elicit anointing in some cases have contributed to hypotheses on its function, as, for example, when mammals fur-rub with plants known to contain insecticidal phytochemicals (e.g., Baker 1996).…”