Using anal gland secretion to determine sex in beaver

Article Abstract:

A study has been conducted to develop a technique for identifying the gender of the beaver by examining the color and viscosity of anal gland secretions (AGS). Results revealed a high percentage of correctly identified sex of beaver in three regions of New York. The observations were consistent for all the discriminately identified beavers such that male beavers had Kraft brown- to sepia-colored and viscous AGS, while females had pale to medium olive, or warm gray, and less viscous AGS. These results indicate that color and viscosity of AGS are an effective approach for distinguishing sexes in beaver.

Methods, Physiological aspects, Identification and classification, Animals, Sex determination, Diagnostic, Sex determination (Diagnosis)

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Beaver response to recurrent alien scents: scent fence or scent match

Article Abstract:

The response of territorial beavers, Castor canadensis, to the presence of the anal gland secretions (AGSs) and castoreum of alien beavers in their territory was investigated. Results reveal that without the presence of the alien beavers, the response of territorial beavers to alien scent was stable in the case of AGSs and decreased in the case of castoreum. These results support the scent-matching hypothesis of scent marking function.

Spatial behavior in animals, Animal spatial behavior

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Sibling recognition in the beaver: a field test for phenotype matching

Article Abstract:

Field studies of the behavior of the beaver, Castor canadensis, show that they can identify the scent of relatives, even if they have not had previous contact. Two experimental mounds were impregnated with anal gland secretion (AGS) from a non-relative and an unfamiliar family member. Beavers showed more strong territorial responses to the AGS from non-relatives than from the AGS of their siblings. Details of the study are presented.

Phenotype, Phenotypes, Mammals, Familial behavior in animals, Animal familial behavior

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