Some observations on the relationships between preorbital gland opening and social interactions in red deer

The present data indicate that the opening of preorbital glands plays an important role in interindividual interactions in red deer of both sexes. The opening of the preorbital gland seems associated with situations of higher social tension and it probably increases the intensity of expression of a threat. The possible uses of preorbital gland opening during agonistic and in precopulatory encounters are discussed.