Hooded skunk
| Hooded skunk | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Hooded skunk | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Carnivora |
| Family: | Mephitidae |
| Genus: | Mephitis |
| Species: | M. macroura |
| Binomial name | |
| Mephitis macroura Lichtenstein 1832 |
|
 |
|
| Hooded skunk range | |
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 |
[edit] 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] .
[edit] 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] .
[edit] 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] .
[edit] 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] .
[edit] 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]
[edit] Links
[edit] 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.
 |
This article about a carnivoran is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
