EN
The influence of chemical cues from conspecifics on female bank voles Clethrionomys glareolus (Schreber, 1780) activity was investigated in a 10 min behavioural test. The role of the main olfactory and vomeronasal systems in mediating chemicals which alter female activity was also studied. Total activity scored higher in females exposed to the scent of dominant male or adult male urine. The odour of subordinate male, castrated male and female urine had no effect on female activity. Bulbectomy but not vomeronasalectomy decreased female activity in the presence of an adult male. The results are discussed in terms of possible biological functions of such behaviour.