Probst B
Department of Animal Physiology, University of Bayreuth, Germany.
Physiol Behav. 1992 Oct;52(4):661-63. doi: 10.1016/0031-9384(92)90394-h.
A device for the automated recording of scent-marking events in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) is described. The method uses minute temperature changes occurring at the surface of marked objects to detect scent marking. These events are recorded by a computer together with the exact time and the location of the marked object. The data obtained with this temperature-sensitive recording method correlate well with data obtained in parallel by human observers. The measurement of the diurnal rhythm of scent-marking behavior for 5 consecutive days in an undisturbed male demonstrates the specific usefulness of this new recording method. In addition, this temperature-sensitive automated recording of scent-marking behavior may also be applicable in other animals that primarily mark protruding objects.
本文描述了一种用于自动记录蒙古沙鼠（长爪沙鼠）气味标记事件的装置。该方法利用被标记物体表面发生的微小温度变化来检测气味标记。这些事件由计算机记录，并同时记录被标记物体的确切时间和位置。通过这种温度敏感记录方法获得的数据与人类观察者同时获得的数据高度相关。在一只未受干扰的雄性沙鼠中连续5天测量气味标记行为的昼夜节律，证明了这种新记录方法的特殊用途。此外，这种对气味标记行为的温度敏感自动记录也可能适用于其他主要标记突出物体的动物。
