Mephitis macroura Lichtenstein, 1832

Hooded skunk

Species recognized by The Integrated Taxonomic Information System external link, T Orrell (custodian) in 
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC) external link Showing: scientific names

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General Description

Description

Source and Additional Information
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Smithsonian's North American Mammals external link
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Smithsonian Institution - North American Mammals external link
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The Hooded Skunk is a desert animal, preferring rocky canyons and valleys, and the vegetation along stream edges. It lives at elevations of less than 2,000 m above sea level. It forages at night for meals that may include small mammals, birds, and some plants, and it digs for beetles and other insects, which seem to be its preferred food. Striped, Spotted, and Hog-nosed skunks are all found within the Hooded Skunk's range. The four species coexist by adopting different behavioral and ecological strategies.

Links:
Mammal Species of the World
References
  • Lichtenstein, H., 1832.  ber die Springm use oder die Arten der Gattung Dipus. Abhandlungen der Koniglichen Akademie der Wissenschaften in Berlin, pl. 46.
"Mephitis macroura Lichtenstein, 1832". Encyclopedia of Life, available from "http://www.eol.org/pages/328594". Accessed 21 Mar 2010.