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Scent glands of the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)
The common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) is an important browsing herbivore in its native Australia and in New Zealand, where it has become a major introduced pest. Possums exhibit marking behaviour, and have specialised scent glands, indicating that they use olfactory communication for social interactions. This review summarises what is known of the scent glands of the possum and some other marsupials. Although the anatomy and histology of the glands has been welldescribed, the composition of their secretions is only beginning to be characterised, and very little is known about their physiological control and role in possum biology.
History
Publication title
New Zealand Journal of ZoologyVolume
41Pagination
193-202ISSN
0301-4223Department/School
School of Pharmacy and PharmacologyPublisher
Taylor & FrancisPlace of publication
PO Box 399, Wellington, New ZealandRights statement
Copyright 2014 The Royal Society of New ZealandRepository Status
- Restricted