[Taxacom] Ultraviolet fluorescence in mammals

[Kenneth Kinman]

Hi All,
       I was reading a recent article about UV fluorescence that is being found in more and more species of mammals.   Reading other literature on the phenomenon, the reason they fluoresce seems to be unknown.
       Looking at various photographs, it seems like such fluorescence is more pronounced on ventral areas of the body, rather than the dorsal areas.  I would therefore suggest that such fluorescence is caused by chemicals (such as porphyrins?) in the urine and/or secreted from scent glands.   This might explain why so many such species are nocturnal or live underground, and therefore marking their territories (or seeking mates) in low light.  I would think testing for such chemicals (such as porphyrins) might provide important information.
      The most recent discovery seems to be in southeastern pocket gophers: "Southeastern Pocket Gophers Glow, But No One Knows Why".   https://www.wabe.org/pocket-gophers-glow-but-no-one-knows-why/
                              ----------------Ken Kinman
P.S.  I suspect something similar might occur in nocturnal birds.
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