Conepatus semistriatus (Boddaert, 1785)

Don E. Wilson & Russell A. Mittermeier, 2009, Mephitidae, Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 1 Carnivores, Barcelona: Lynx Edicions, pp. 532-562 : 557

5.

Striped Hog-nosed Skunk

Conepatus semistriatus

French: Moufette d’Amazonie / German: Amazonas-Skunk / Spanish: Zorrino amazonico

Taxonomy. Viverra semistriatus Boddaert, 1785 ,

Originally described from “ Mexico ”. Type locality later described as “Minas de Montuosa, cerca de Pamplona, departamento del norte de Santander, Colombia ”.

Eight subspecies are recognized.

Subspecies and Distribution.

C. s. semistriatus Boddaert, 1785 — Colombia and Venezuela.

C. s. amazonicus Lichtenstein, 1838 — NE & C Brazil.

C. s. conepatl Gmelin, 1788 — SE Mexico (Veracruz and along coast to Campeche).

C. s. quitensis Humboldt, 1812 — Ecuador.

C. s. taxinus Thomas, 1924 — higher elevation in N Peru.

C. s. trichurus Thomas, 1905 — Costa Rica, W Panama.

C. s. yucatanicus Goldman, 1943 — SE Mexico (Yucatan & Quintana Roo), Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

C. s. zorrino Thomas, 1900 — low hot desert regions of N Peru.

Descriptive notes. Head-body 35-50 cm (males) and 33-45 cm (females), tail 14-3— 30- 9 cm (males) and 13.5-26 cm (females); weight 1.4-3.5 kg. The tail is less than half the total body length. Striped Hog-nosed Skunks in South America tend to get smaller from north to south. The Striped Hog-nosed Skunk is larger than the other South American species, Molina’s and Humboldt’'s Hog-nosed Skunks. The pelage coloration typically is black with two narrow white stripes running from the head to the rump. There is extensive variation in color pattern. Striped hog-nosed Skunks have small, pig-like noses that are used for rooting insects. Like other Conepatus , the claws are long and the forelimbs are adapted for digging. These skunks also are able to spray a noxious fluid as a means of defense.

Habitat. Striped Hog-nosed Skunks use grasslands with scattered palms, sparse deciduous forests, shrub woodlands, and open grassy areas mixed with sedges and herbaceous plants during the dry season. They prefer not to hang out in areas that have prolonged dry seasons. During the wet season they spend more time on higher ground in deciduousforests. Clearings and pastures near evergreen forests also are frequented by this species. Den sites are dug among tree roots or fallen trees. Burrows are about 1-2 m in length and about 0-3 m below the surface. When not using the burrows dug for themselves these skunks will use burrows dug by other animals such as armadillos.

Food and Feeding. Like other hog-nosed skunks,this species is an opportunistic omnivore. They feed on many invertebrates, but may not dig as much as the other species. Additionally, they consume small vertebrates, including reptiles, mammals, and birds, as well as fruits when they are available.

Activity patterns. Striped Hog-nosed Skunks are primarily nocturnal. They become active shortly after sunset. One animal was reported to become active between 19:30 h and 24:00 h and stay out for about six hours at a time. The phase of the moon appeared not to affect activity periods. Though it is not outside the realm of possibility, these skunks rarely are seen during daylight hours.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. Like other skunks, these animals are primarily solitary (except for mothers with offspring). Home ranges can cover from 18-53 ha.

Breeding. These skunks breed in the early spring. Gestation lasts about 60 days. Litter sizes can range from 2-5. Otherwise,little is known about the breeding behavior of this species.

Status and Conservation. Notlisted with CITES, and classified as Least Concern in The IUCN Red List. The status of this skunk is uncertain. Although not abundant, this species appears to do well in disturbed environments.

Bibliography. Ceballos & Oliva (2005), Goldman (1943), Hall (1981), Hall & Dalquest (1963), Lichtenstein (1838), Reid (1997), Sunquist et al. (1989), Thomas (1900a, 1905, 1924), Wozencraft (2005).

Figures

1. Sunda Stink Badger (Mydaus javanensis), 2. Palawan Stink Badger (Mydaus marchei), 3. American Hog-nosed Skunk (Conepatus leuconotus), 4. Molina’s Hog-nosed Skunk (Conepatus chinga), 5. Striped Hog-nosed Skunk (Conepatus semistriatus), 6. Humboldt’s Hog-nosed Skunk (Conepatus humboldti), 7. Hooded Skunk (Mephitis macroura), 8. Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephatis), 9. Pygmy Spotted Skunk (Spilogale pygmaea), 10. Eastern Spotted Skunk (Spilogale putorius), 11. Western Spotted Skunk (Spilogale gracilis), 12. Southern Spotted Skunk (Spilogale angustifrons)

Subspecies and Distribution. C. s. semistriatus Boddaert, 1785 — Colombia and Venezuela . C. s. amazonicus Lichtenstein, 1838 — NE & C Brazil . C. s. conepatl Gmelin, 1788 — SE Mexico (Veracruz and along coast to Campeche). C. s. quitensis Humboldt, 1812 — Ecuador . C. s. taxinus Thomas, 1924 — higher elevation in N Peru . C. s. trichurus Thomas, 1905 — Costa Rica , W Panama . C. s. yucatanicus Goldman, 1943 — SE Mexico (Yucatan & Quintana Roo), Belize , Guatemala , Honduras and Nicaragua . C. s. zorrino Thomas, 1900 — low hot desert regions of N Peru .