Olfactory Communication in Australian Marsupials with Particular Reference to Brushtail Possum, Koala, and Eastern Grey Kangaroo

Abstract

Olfactory communication in marsupials is much less investigated than in other mammalian species although scent glands in marsupials are a common feature. The present report gives two examples of some less known Australian marsupials in which olfactory communication might be important and which are characterized through their prominent scent glands. In a more detailed approach the sternal gland secretion of three marsupial species was analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in order to determine which factors contribute to the overall scent composition. In the eastern grey kangaroo the analytical data indicate that social status could affect the odor composition while in the brushtail possum laboratory experiments suggest that diet is of some importance for the content of the gland secretion. Furthermore there is evidence to suggest that in the koala closely related individuals may have a highly similar odor composition. These examples indicate the unknown potential of various marsupial families in utilizing olfactory cues and further research is needed to fully explore the use of olfactory communication in Australian marsupials.