A comparative profile of urinary scent signals of two endangered Japanese populations of leopard cat

Two subspecies of mainland leopard cats ( Prionailurus bengalensis ), Iriomote iriomotensis and Tsushima euptilurus are small, endangered felids that endemic to the Japanese islands, Iriomote-jima Tsushima, respectively. Both have an estimated population size only about 100 individuals each. Therefore, it is crucial expand our understanding these successfully conserve them. While their morphology, anatomy, ecology, pathology, genetics well studied, little known physiology regulated in subspecies-specific manners. This study characterized urinary volatile nonvolatile organic compounds, with which express physiological status territorial ownership. We found significantly higher levels 3-mercapto-3-methyl-1-butanol its structural analogs, scent signals domestic cats, headspace than cats. There were no differences felinine, amino acid acts as a precursor 3-mercapto-3-methyl-1-butanol, suggesting variation catalytic activities for decomposing felinine between subspecies. exhibited proteinuria due secretion carboxylesterase 5A, also cauxin, production felinine. In conclusion, while two share similar genetic backgrounds, contents metabolites vary suggest after separation into subspecies, regulation metabolic pathway likely evolved differently each response specific environments.