(Spilogale pygmaea)
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Mustelidae (Mephitidae)
Genus: Spilogale
Species: pygmaea
Physical description Habitat and range Diet Reproduction Behavior Wild status Links
Physical description:
The pygmy skunk is the smallest of the skunk species with a total length ranging from 240-282 mm and weights ranging from 150-320 grams. It has a smaller, more slender body and a finer coat then its closest relatives. The coat is brownish-black overall with six rather broad, white stripes that run down the back from the forehead to the rump. The white of the stripes is actually more of a cream color. The tail of a pygmy skunk is rather short when compared to other skunks. Tail length can be used to determine sex of a pygmy skunk, with an average length around 70 mm and 64 mm, for males and females respectively.
Habitat and
range:
The pygmy skunk is found along the Pacific coast of Mexico. Parts of their range overlap with the eastern spotted skunk (Spilogale putorious), the hooded skunk (Mephitis macroura), and the hog-nosed skunk (Conepatus mesoleucus). Pygmy skunks inhabit wooded or brushy habitats with rocky soil. They den in underground burrows, in fallen logs, under rocks or dense foliage.
Diet:
Omnivorous, but pygmy skunks may be the most carnivorous of the skunks. The pygmy skunk feeds on insects, fruits, seeds, eggs, birds, reptiles and small mammals. They may climb trees in pursuit of prey and will hunt in caves that house large colonies of bats.
Reproduction:
Breeding typically occurs between April and August and the young are born after a 43-51 day gestation period. However, there is evidence that this species is capable of delayed implantation wherein mating takes place in late fall with birth in spring. One to six pups are born covered with fine white hair and an average birth weight of 6.9 grams. The pup’s eyes and ears will open at 29-32 days of age. Pups are weaned before the end of the second month, reach adult size at 15 weeks and become sexually mature in less than a year. The young disperse in the fall but may spend the winter with their mother in a communal den.
Behavior:
The pygmy skunk is primarily nocturnal and solitary, except during the breeding season. Males are territorial and will defend their territory against rival males. As with most skunks, the release of secretions from the anal glands only occurs in extreme situations. A pygmy skunk’s first reaction in time of danger is to flee. When cornered they engage in an offensive display that begins with the stomping of feet as the threat approaches. They attempt to inflate themselves and raise their tail. They then stand on their front legs and may even advance towards their perceived attacker in this position. If the threat is still not abated they drop back to all fours and bend themselves into a U, aiming at their attacker. It is then they release the familiar scent in a cloud of droplets.
Wild status:
Listed as Lower Risk/Least Concern by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources).
Links:
American Society of Mammalogists
For further information, contact the Small Carnivore TAG Education Liaison
References:
Gay, B. 1999. "Spilogale pygmaea" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed October 24, 2005 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Spilogale_pygmaea.html.
Medellin, R.A., Ceballos, G., & Zarza, H. 1998. Spilogale pygmaea. Mammalian Species. 600:1-3. December 4, 1998. Published by the American Society of Mammalogists.
Mustelid Specialist Group 1996. Spilogale pygmaea. In: IUCN 2004. 2004 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. <www.redlist.org>. Downloaded on 24 October 2005.
Page by: Matthew Schamberger, Pensacola Junior College Zoo Animal Technology Student, November 2005