ANALYSIS OF SECRETIONS FROM SCENT-PRODUCING GLANDS OF BRUSHTAIL POSSUM (TRICHOSORUS-VULPECULA KERR)

A characterization at a molecular level of the chemical composition of the secretions of the two pairs of paracloacal glands and of the ster nal sebum of the brushtail possum (Trichosorus vulpecula Kerr) has bee n undertaken with a view to evaluating the potential of volatile ''phe romone'' components as species-specific attractants for use in novel b aiting systems. Particular attention has been given to the respective fatty acid fractions produced by chemical hydrolysis, since these are believed to be the products of postemission microbial degradation (fer mentation) of the secretions. In all instances, the highly complex dis tribution of the constituents present in these organic components of t he secretions were shown to be virtually identical in adult males and females. A unique suite of low-molecular-weight branched-chain carboxy lic acids has been shown to be produced by chemical degradation of the holocrine (oil-secreting) gland secretion. This odor signature is sug gested to function as a unique ''scenting-the-habitat'' pheromone that might act as an attractant to all members of the species.