Mahesh N Sanzgiri
St. Xaviers College, India
Title: Isolation, identification and field studies on tiger pheromones
Biography
Biography: Mahesh N Sanzgiri
Abstract
Isolation, identification and field study on tiger pheromones is concentrated in this work. Pheromones, although well-known in the insect world, not much work has been done in the case of mammals. In order to do the field studies, especially using this as a biochemical marker by tiger in territory marking and communication especially during mating season, the studies were carried out in forest. For the study, tiger urine was collected from different zoos in month of January, March, July and September to cover most of the seasons of the year. For separation of components of tiger urine for study purpose Merck HPTLC and preparative layer chromatographic techniques were used and so also electrophoratic run on Whatsmann’s paper. To confirm functional groups of components separated, IR Spectrum was used. Identification of structure of tiger pheromone molecular weight of tiger pheromone varies from tiger to tiger which indicates tiger pheromone is unique to each tiger. Due to this tiger marks its territory by spreading urine on trees which is identified by other tigers. Molecular weight varies anywhere between 1000-5000.