P-mix originated from wolf urine induced avoidance and fear-related behaviors in Hokkaido deer

Abstract

The final confirmation of Japanese wolf was in 1905 at Nara prefecture. We explored the effects of the cocktail of pyrazine analogues (P-mix), originated from wolf urine, on Hokkaido deer in field bioassays at a deer park in Nishiokoppe, Hokkaido, Japan. P-mix odour effectively suppressed the approach of the deer to the feeding area. In addition, P-mix odour provoked fearful behaviours, such as ‘flight’ and ‘jump’ actions, of the deer around the feeding area in a sex-specific manner. These results suggest that P-mix odor induces innate fear in deer. Our study is the first experimental demonstration that the pyrazine analogues in wolf urine have robust and continual aversive effects on ungulates. P-mix might be suitable for a repellent reducing damage to forests and agricultural crops by deer.