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Why are predator urines aversive to prey?
D L Nolte1, J R Mason, G Epple
1United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Animal Damage Control, Denver Wildlife Research Center, 1835 Black Lake, Blvd., 98512, Olympia, Washington.
Journal of Chemical Ecology
|November 19, 2013
Summary
Predator urine repellency to prey is influenced by the predator's diet. Specifically, the sulfur compounds resulting from a meat-heavy diet significantly impact how much prey species avoid coyote urine.
Area of Science:
- Chemical Ecology
- Animal Behavior
- Mammalian Biology
Background:
- Predator odors are known to elicit avoidance responses in prey animals.
- The chemical composition of predator odors, particularly sulfur content, is linked to diet and potential repellency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if altering a coyote's (Canis latrans) diet affects the repellent properties of its urine.
- To determine the role of sulfurous compounds, derived from meat digestion, in the urine's repellency.
Main Methods:
- Experiments were conducted to assess the olfactory repellency of coyote urine.
- Urine samples from coyotes fed different diets were used to test prey responses.
Main Results:
- Changes in the coyote's diet were found to alter the repellency of its urine.
- Sulfur compounds, indicative of meat consumption, were identified as significant contributors to the urine's repellent effect on prey.
Conclusions:
- Diet composition plays a crucial role in the chemical ecology of predator-prey interactions.
- Sulfur metabolites from meat digestion are key components responsible for the repellent nature of predator odors.
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