Except for one, all are listed on the union's Red List of Threatened Species as "least concern." The pygmy spotted skunk is listed as vulnerable due to and ongoing population loss estimated to be more than 30 percent over the past three generations of the species. No skunk species is currently endangered, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Mydaus javanensis (Sunda stink badger, Indonesian stink badger).Spilogale pygmaea (pygmy spotted skunk).Spilogale putorius (Eastern spotted skunk, spotted skunk).Spilogale gracilis (Western spotted skunk).Spilogale angustifrons (Southern spotted skunk).Conepatus semistriatus (striped hog-nosed skunk).Conepatus leuconotus (American hog-nosed skunk, Eastern hog-nosed skunk, white-backed hog-nosed skunk, badger skunk, rooter skunk, Texas skunk).Conepatus humboldtii (Humboldt's hog-nosed skunk).Conepatus chinga (Molina's hog-nosed skunk).Mephitis (hooded skunks, striped skunks).Kingdom: Animalia Subkingdom: Bilateria Infrakingdom: Deuterostomia Phylum: Chordata Subphylum: Vertebrata Infraphylum: Gnathostomata Superclass: Tetrapoda Class: Mammalia Subclass: Theria Infraclass: Eutheria Order: Carnivora Suborder: Caniformia Family: Mephitidae Genera: Here is the classification of mephitids, according to the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS): Also, stink badgers, which occur in Indonesia and the Philippines, have just recently been considered part of the skunk family. Molecular analysis has shown that skunks should be recognized as a single family, Mephitidae, according to the ADW. Until recently, skunks were considered part of the Mustelid family, related to weasels, otters and badgers. (Image credit: Adam Dillon/University of California, Santa Barbara) Classification/taxonomy Western spotted skunks (pictured) extend from central Mexico through the western United States to British Columbia Southern spotted skunks occur from central Mexico south to central Costa Rica Eastern spotted skunks are found from eastern Canada, down the Appalachians to northeast Mexico. There are four species of spotted skunks. In captivity they can live a little longer, usually seven to eight years. ![]() Skunks have very short lives and often live only around three years. After they are weaned, they leave the den and at to 10 to 12 months old they are ready to have their own kits. Kits are blind when born, since their eyes are sealed shut until around the age of 3 weeks, according to the San Diego Zoo. Their gestation period often lasts around two months and they give birth to two to 10 offspring at a time.īaby skunks are called kits. Little is known about the biology of stink badgers, according to the ADW.įemale skunks give birth every year. Their diet consists of plants, insects, larvae, worms, fruit, eggs, reptiles, small mammals and fish. Skunks are omnivores, which means they eat both meat and vegetation. Though you typically see skunks by themselves, they gather to mate. Skunks are nocturnal and forage for food while most animals and humans sleep. It is important to remember that most skunks are not aggressive and won’t harm humans unless they are threatened, according to The Humane Society. Before spraying, a spotted skunk will do a handstand on its front paws and aim its tail without taking its eyes off its attacker. ![]() Most animals leave skunks alone unless they can’t find other prey. The scent from this gland can last for days, but isn’t harmful. When frightened, skunks will shoot a smelly, oily substance from a gland underneath their tails with a range of up to 10 feet (3 meters), according to National Geographic. ![]() The skunk’s most memorable trait is its smell.
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