Latrine site selection by African clawless otters, Aonyx capensis, and their behavior during latrine visitations.

ABSTRACT: Latrine sites are used as areas for the deposition of scent-containing excretions and play important roles in intraspecific olfactory communication, territoriality, sexual attraction, and defense behaviors of many mammals. African clawless otters (Aonyx capensis) likely use latrine sites as primary areas for scent marking and scent communication but no studies to date have investigated their potential role or site selection. We assessed latrine site selection at 2 spatial scales (micro- and macroscale) and recorded behaviors via camera trap recordings. Thirty-eight latrine sites were identified and assessed at 2 locations in Mtunzini on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (uMlalazi Nature Reserve and Zini Fish Farm) during the months of August to November 2021. Latrine si

SUBMITTER: Nicolaides SG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10838015 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature