Abstract
Synthetic stoat odor (3-propyl-1,2-dithiolane and 2-propylthietane) and fox fecal odor (2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline) at various concentrations were applied to chick-peas (Cicer arietinum) at sowing in an investigation aimed at reducing damage caused by house mice (Mus musculus). Stoat odor at 10% concentration exerted a measure of protection, as did 1% fox odor against predation by laboratory mice. Wild mice were less affected by synthetic predator odor and appeared to have a shorter memory for it. Laboratory mice cannot be regarded as surrogate wild mice, when used in experimental situations such as those employed here.
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Coulston, S., Stoddart, D.M. & Crump, D.R. Use of predator odors to protect chick-peas from predation by laboratory and wild mice. J Chem Ecol 19, 607–612 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00984995
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00984995