The functions of urine marking in a free-living population of house mice, Mus domesticus Rutty

Jane L. Hurst
1987 Animal Behaviour  
The urine-marking behaviour of free-living house mice, Mus domesticus Rutty, was investigated in a poultry house where mice defended small territories and where evidence of previous marking behaviour was extensive. Thin smears of urine were found spread over most surfaces and concentrated posts of urine were located at topographical edges. Marking behaviour was measured on plates of clean acetate sheet which were smeared with urine when exposed to the mice overnight. The marking response of
more » ... dent mice to marks from neighbouring and distant territories was then investigated by transferring plates between 30 separate sites. Plates were marked primarily as a response to clean surfaces and the presence of native or imported smears inhibited further marking. Clean surfaces adjacent to native or imported smears were marked to the same extent, though marking increased with the density of the adjacent smears. Infrared video recording revealed that resident adults paid little attention to either native or imported smears after their initial investigation, but juveniles were very cautious in their approach to imported smears. The responses of resident adults argue against a territorial function for urine smearing, though juveniles may use smears to stay safely within the parental territory. It is proposed that urine smears may provide cues for orientation and may enhance the rapid detection of novel (i.e. unmarked) objects, directing attention towards new resources or hazards. The possibility that urine smears and posts constitute a dual marking system is discussed. / // // // J 9 J ///
doi:10.1016/s0003-3472(87)80016-7 fatcat:cmmwckqcnfa7zc6idjxzub62ai