territorial marking

Territorial marking is a behavior animals use to establish and communicate ownership of a specific area. They often do this by depositing scent markers—such as urine, feces, or secretions from specialized glands—on boundaries or key spots within their territory. These scent signals convey information about the individual's identity, reproductive status, and strength, helping to deter other animals from intruding. This behavior helps animals avoid conflicts by signaling that a territory is already claimed, promoting social stability and reducing the risk of physical confrontations.