Volatile components of the anal gland secretion of the striped polecat <i>Ictonyx striatus</i>

Abstract

The volatile components of the anal gland secretion of an adult, male, Ictonyx striatus were separated and identified by dynamic solvent effect sampling, capillary gas-liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry. The major component was 2-ethylthiacyclobutane. Nine other sulphur compounds, a ketone, and a hydrocarbon were also identified. Some of these occur in the anal gland secretions of other mustelids.