Hooded skunk
Hooded skunk
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)[1]
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".

Morphology[link]

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[link]

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[link]

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[link]

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[link]

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]

Hooded skunk skeleton on display at The Museum of Osteology, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Links[link]

• Smithsonian Institution - North American Mammals: Mephitis macroura

References[link]

• Irwin, M. 2001. "Mephitis macroura" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed September 13, 2006

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