Snapshot Serengeti Talk

Black spot in Reedbucks

  • tillydad by tillydad moderator

    The black spot that is often used to identify the Reedbuck is, in fact, a sub-auricular scent gland . It is sometimes hair-covered, and as the young have longer, denser hair than the adults it is not always visible. The Reedbuck also has scent glands in the groin area, known as inguinal glands, and these, in addition to the sub-auricular glands, are believed to advertise identity and status to other Reedbucks. These glands leave olfactory traces in resting places and passageways and they also decant scents wafting them through the air, especially during stotting ( when the animals leap in the air when alarmed ). It is also believed that when in flight from predators they will "pop" the inguinal glands, thus releasing a hefty dose of scent. The reason for this behaviour is not fully understood. Observers have heard the distinctive "pop" as the animal bounds away and opens it's rear legs.

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