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Skunk species - Genus Conepatus

There are seven species of skunks of the genus Conepatus. These are commonly known as Hog nosed Skunks.

The following is specific information about the various species within this genus.

Common attributes

Habitat ...

Diverse, but prefer rugged terrain; den in rocky crevices and burrows.

Length ...

About 60cm

Weight ...

About 1.5-2kg

Coat ...

Black with large white band on back and white tail; distinguished by lack of white head stripe and by bare elongated snout; large claws another adaptation for digging.

Mates ...

February

Gestation ...

42 days

Number of young in litter ...

2-4 young born in May-June.

Conepatus Mesoleucus (Hog nosed skunk)

[ Conepatus ]

Distribution ...

Southern USA and Nicaragua

Conepatus Leuconotus (Eastern hog nosed skunk)

Distribution ...

East Texas and East Mexico

Conepatus Sernistriatus (Amazonian skunk)

Distribution ...

South Mexico, Peru, and Brazil

Conepatus Rex (Andes skunk)

Distribution ...

Peru

Conepatus Castereus

Distribution ...

Argentina

Conepatus Chinga

Distribution ...

Chile, Argentina, and Paraguay

Conepatus Humboldti (Patagonian skunk)

Distribution ...

Patagonia

References

MacDonald, David (editor); The Encyclopedia of Mammals; Andromeda Oxford; 1995 (ISBN 1-871869-62-5).

Unless otherwise credited, the photos are from the royalty free Kodak PhotoCD purchased from Corel Corp. Fox photos from "Foxes & Coyotes" CD, 1993. Skunk photos from "Backyard Wildlife" CD, 1993.