Table of Contents
Articles on this page are available in 1 other language: Spanish (9) (learn more)
Overview
Brief Summary
Description
Links:
Mammal Species of the World
- Original description: Lichtenstein, H., 1832. ber die Springm use oder die Arten der Gattung Dipus. Abhandlungen der Koniglichen Akademie der Wissenschaften in Berlin, pl. 46.
© Smithsonian Institution
Trusted
Distribution
Range Description
© International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
Source:
IUCN
Trusted
Geographic Range
Mainly a species of Mexico. In the US, found in areas of intermediate elevation in New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas.
Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Native )
© The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors
Source:
Animal Diversity Web
Trusted
National Distribution
United States
Origin: Native
Regularity: Regularly occurring
Currently: Present
Confidence: Confident
Type of Residency: Year-round
© NatureServe
Source:
NatureServe
Trusted
Global Range: Southern North America; from southwestern U.S. (southeastern and south-central Arizona, southern New Mexico, and western Texas) south to Costa Rica (Wozencraft, in Wilson and Reeder 1993; Hwang and Lariviere 2001).
© NatureServe
Source:
NatureServe
Trusted
Physical Description
Morphology
Physical Description
Males usually weigh 800-900 g, while females weigh 400-700 g. Males are about 700mm in length, 377mm of which is the tail. Females are 650mm in length, 370mm of which is the tail. They are similar to striped skunk; however, Mephitis macroura has longer and softer fur. The upper neck has a distinct area of longer hair, leading to the common name "hooded skunk." The tail is also longer than that of the striped skunk. There are two known color patterns. In the first, the back of the skunk is entirely white in color while its underparts are black, sometimes with white areas. In the second, the back and underparts are black with two narrow lateral white stripes along the side. Frequently the underside of the tail is white. The stripes on the hooded skunk rarely divide into a "V" as in striped skunks.
Range mass: 400 to 900 g.
© The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors
Source:
Animal Diversity Web
Trusted
Size
Size in North America
Length:
Range: "560-790 mm "
Weight:
Range: "820-1,200 g "
© Smithsonian Institution
Trusted
Ecology
Habitat
Habitat and Ecology
Systems
- Terrestrial
© International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
Source:
IUCN
Trusted
Habitat
Hooded skunks prefer intermediate elevations, above deserts but below high mountains. They are found in desert scrub, closed basin scrub, plains-mesa grassland, desert grassland, and riparian areas. They often inhabit vegetation along stream banks or rocky ledges of canyons.
Terrestrial Biomes: desert or dune ; savanna or grassland ; chaparral
© The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors
Source:
Animal Diversity Web
Trusted
Comments: Inhabits rocky ledges or canyons and areas adjacent to streams. In Arizona, apparently prefers intermediate elevations, above deserts but not in highest mountains (Hoffmeister 1986).
© NatureServe
Source:
NatureServe
Trusted
Migration
Non-Migrant: Yes. At least some populations of this species do not make significant seasonal migrations. Juvenile dispersal is not considered a migration.
Locally Migrant: No. No populations of this species make local extended movements (generally less than 200 km) at particular times of the year (e.g., to breeding or wintering grounds, to hibernation sites).
Locally Migrant: No. No populations of this species make annual migrations of over 200 km.
© NatureServe
Source:
NatureServe
Trusted
Trophic Strategy
Food Habits
Mostly eat insects. Sometimes eat vertebrates such as shrews and rodents. Also eat plant material such as prickly pear fruit.
© The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors
Source:
Animal Diversity Web
Trusted
Comments: Feeds on insects and other invertebrates, small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and some plant material.
© NatureServe
Source:
NatureServe
Trusted
Life History and Behavior
Cyclicity
Comments: Active throughout the year. Primarily nocturnal but also active during the day.
© NatureServe
Source:
NatureServe
Trusted
Life Expectancy
Lifespan, longevity, and ageing
© Joao Pedro de Magalhaes
Source:
AnAge
Trusted
Reproduction
Reproduction
Breeding in Mephitis macroura occurs from the middle of February to the end of March. Litters usually consist of about 3 individuals.
Average gestation period: 61 days.
Average number of offspring: 5.3.
© The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors
Source:
Animal Diversity Web
Trusted
Breeds in late winter. Gestation is estimated to last 8 weeks. Litter size is estimated at 3-8 young (Leopold 1959).
© NatureServe
Source:
NatureServe
Trusted
Molecular Biology and Genetics
Molecular Biology
Statistics of barcoding coverage: Mephitis macroura
Public Records: 0
Species: 4
Species With Barcodes: 1
© Barcode of Life Data Systems
Trusted
Conservation
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List Assessment
Red List Category
Red List Criteria
Version
Year Assessed
Assessor/s
Reviewer/s
Justification
History
- 1996Lower Risk/least concern
© International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
Source:
IUCN
Trusted
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern
© The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors
Source:
Animal Diversity Web
Trusted
National NatureServe Conservation Status
United States
Rounded National Status Rank: N4 - Apparently Secure
© NatureServe
Source:
NatureServe
Trusted
NatureServe Conservation Status
Rounded Global Status Rank: G5 - Secure
© NatureServe
Source:
NatureServe
Trusted
Trends
Population
Population Trend
© International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
Source:
IUCN
Trusted
Threats
Threats
© International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
Source:
IUCN
Trusted
Management
Conservation Actions
© International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
Source:
IUCN
Trusted
Wikipedia
Hooded skunk
The hooded skunk (Mephitis macroura) is a species of mammal in the family Mephitidae. Mephit in Latin means "foul odor" and macr in Greek translates to "large" and oura translates to "tail".
Contents |
Morphology
It can be distinguished from the similar striped skunk (M. mephitis) by its longer tail and longer, much softer coat of fur, and a larger tympanic bullae[2] . A ruff of white fur around its neck gives the animal its common name. There are three known color phases and in all three there will be a thin white medial stripe present between the eyes: 1) black-backed with two lateral white stripes. 2) white-backed with one dorsal white stripe. 3) entirely black with a few white hairs in the tail[3] [4] .
Ecology
The hooded skunk ranges from the Southwestern United States to Southern Mexico, but is most abundant in Mexico. These skunks are found to be 50% or less smaller in size from Southern Mexico than in Southwestern United States[5] . It is found in grasslands, desert, and in the foothills of mountains, avoiding high elevations. It tends to live near a water source, such as a river. The females tend to be 15% smaller in size than the males[6] and their breeding season is between February and March[7] . The litter size ranges from 3 to 8[8] .
Diet
The diet of the hooded skunk consists mostly of vegetation, especially prickly pear (Opuntia spp.), but it will readily consume insects, small vertebrates, and bird eggs[9] as well. No cases of rabies are reported[10] [11] , but they host a range of parasites including nematodes, roundworms, and fleas[12] .
Behavior
Hooded skunks are solitary, but they might interact at a feeding ground without showing any signs of aggression[13] . They shelter in a burrow or a nest of thick plant cover during the day and is active at night. In Costa Rica, hooded skunks do not break eggs with their mouths or throwing them at hard surfaces; but instead they break eggs by throwing at their back legs[14] . Just like M. mephitis for self-defense they spray volatile components from their anal glands[15] .
Discussion
Hooded skunks are currently not endangered. They are very abundant in Mexico and can live in human suburban areas such as pastures and cultivated fields[16] . Their fur has low economic value[17] . However, their fat[18] and scent glands[19] can be used for medicinal purposes. In some parts of the world their flesh is considered a delicacy[20] . Other common names for the hooded skunk include: mofeta rayada (Spanish), moufette à capuchon (French), pay (Maya), southern skunk, white-sided skunk, and zorillo.[21]
Links
References
- ^ Cuarón, A.D., Reid, F. & Helgen, K. (2008). Mephitis macroura. In: IUCN 2008. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 27 January 2009.
- ^ Hall, E. R. (1981). The mammals of North America. Second edition. New York: John Wiley & Sons. pp. 601-1181.
- ^ Hoffmeister, D. F. (1986). Mammals of Arizona. Tucson: University of Arizona Press.
- ^ Patton, R. F. (1974). Ecological and behavioral relationships of the skunks of Trans Pecos Texas. Ph.D. dissertation. Texas A&M University. pp. 199.
- ^ Janzen, D. H. and W. Hallwachs (1982). The hooded skunk, Mephitis macroura, in lowland northwestern Costa Rica. Brenesia. pp. 19/20:549-552.
- ^ Rosatte, R. C. (1987). Striped, spotted, hooded, and hog-nosed skunk. Toronto, Canada: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
- ^ Patton, R. F. (1974). Ecological and behavioral relationships of the skunks of Trans Pecos Texas. Ph.D. dissertation. Texas A&M University. pp. 199.
- ^ Bailey, V. (1932). "Mammals of New Mexico". North American Fauna (53): 1-412.
- ^ Patton, R. F. (1974). Ecological and behavioral relationships of the skunks of Trans Pecos Texas. Ph.D. dissertation. Texas A&M University. pp. 199.
- ^ Aranda, M.; L. Lopez-De Buen (1999). "Rabies in skunks from Mexico". Journal of Wildlife Diseases (35): 574-577.
- ^ Ceballos, G., And A. Miranda (1986). Los mamiferos de Chmela, Jalisco: manual de campo. Mexico City, Mexico: Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico.
- ^ Patton, R. F. (1974). Ecological and behavioral relationships of the skunks of Trans Pecos Texas. Ph.D. dissertation. Texas A&M University. pp. 199.
- ^ Reid, F. A. (1997). A field guide to the mammals of Central America and south east Mexico. New York: Oxford University Press.
- ^ Janzen, D. H. and W. Hallwachs (1982). The hooded skunk, Mephitis macroura, in lowland northwestern Costa Rica. Brenesia. pp. 19/20:549-552.
- ^ Dalquest, W. W. (1953). Mammals of the Mexican state of San Luis Potosi. Balton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press.
- ^ Yeen, Ten Hwang; Serge Lariviere (26). "Mephitis macroura". Mammalian Species (686): 1-3.
- ^ Bailey, V. (1932). "Mammals of New Mexico". North American Fauna (53): 1-412.
- ^ Dalquest, W. W. (1953). Mammals of the Mexican state of San Luis Potosi. Balton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press.
- ^ Reid, F. A. (1997). A field guide to the mammals of Central America and south east Mexico. New York: Oxford University Press.
- ^ Davis, W. B. (1944). "Notes on Mexican mammals". Journal of Mammalogy (25): 370-402.
- ^ Borror, D. J. (1960). Dictionary of word roots and combining forms. Palo Alto, California: National Press Books.
- Irwin, M. 2001. "Mephitis macroura" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed September 13, 2006
 | This article about a carnivoran is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
Source:
Wikipedia
Unreviewed
Names and Taxonomy
Taxonomy
Comments: Based on patterns of mtDNA variation in Mustelidae, Dragoo and Honeycut (1997) recommended that skunks (Mephitis, Conepatus, Spilogale) and the Oriental stink badger (Mydaus) be separated as a distinct family (Mephitidae). Wozencraft (in Wilson and Reeder 2005) recognized the family Mephitidae.
© NatureServe
Source:
NatureServe
Trusted
Disclaimer
EOL content is automatically assembled from many different content providers. As a result, from time to time you may find pages on EOL that are confusing.
To request an improvement, please leave a comment on the page. Thank you!
