Gland otter

The relative concentrations of constituents of the anal sac secretion in male stoats, Mustek erminea, are distinct for different individuals, but consistent over time for each individual. This possibly permits individual recognition of territory owners (Erlinge etal., 1982). The chemical composition of the anal gland of the otter, Lutra lutra (Gorman etal., 1978) and the subcaudal gland of the badger, Meles meles (Kruuk etal., 1984) also differ with the individuals. 

Castoreum or caster is a strongly scented creamy fluid derived from the genitals of male beavers. This name is also applied to similar materials taken from otters and muskrats. These fluids are used by the animals to mark their territories and to attract females. They are reputed to have the same effects on other species, notably humans, when incorporated into perfumes or creams. Castoreum perfume is produced by placing the entire gland into alcohol. 

Musk—A strong-smelling secretion of the glands of some animals, generally associated with breeding and the marking of territories. Musk is produced by certain species of deer, cats, otter, the muskrat, and other animals. Musk is used to manufacture perfumes. Much of the modern usage involves synthesized musk. 

Plantar glands exhibit somewhat different morphology in river otters. Their positions correspond to those in Martes and Gulp, however, the epidermis of the plantar surface is glabrous year-round. The glands appear as disc-shaped clusters of fused columns protruding from a well-defined orifice in the epidermis (Fig. 2). 

Fig. 2. Light photograph of gross superficial structure of plantar gland of American river otter. The fused columns of papillae emerging from a well-defined orifice surrounded by glabrous cornified epidermis are visible.

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