Olfactory predator discrimination abilities of yellow-bellied marmots <i>(Marmota flaviventris)</i>

Abstract

Several prey species have demonstrated a response to predator odors by altering their behavior, but few studies have explored the abilities of prey to discriminate between predator odors or to recognize novel predators. The olfactory abilities of yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris) were studied at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory to determine whether they can distinguish between predator and non-predator odors, discriminate between predator odors based on the riskiness of predators, and recognize novel predators. A within-subjects sequential experimental design was used in which individual marmots were presented with five urines (elk, coyote, fox, mountain lion, and wolf) in separate events. Elk was a familiar herbivore used as a control. Coyotes and foxes are familiar predators, with coyotes considered to be a greater risk than foxes. Mountain lions and wolves are not present in the study area, and are considered to be novel predators. Marmots were observed foraging at a scented bait pile and the behavioral transitions were recorded. Coyote, mountain lion, and wolf urine caused a greater rate of sniffing than elk urine. Coyote and mountain lion urine caused a higher rate of looking than elk urine, and coyote urine caused a higher rate of foraging than elk urine. Marmots are apparently able to distinguish between predators and non-predator urine, but it is unclear whether they can discriminate different levels of risk. There was a significantly higher response to coyote urine than elk urine, but no significant difference between fox and elk urine. Marmots also appear to be able to recognize novel predators, as they had a similar response to familiar and novel predators. Olfactory cues seem to be useful to yellow-bellied marmots in identifying potential predators, but they may not alter their behavior drastically in response. Key Words: yellow-bellied marmots, Marmota flaviventris, olfactory cues, predator detection, urine, antipredator behavior 1