Patagonian hog-nosed skunk
Humboldt's hog-nosed skunk (Conepatus humboldtii) is a type of hog-nosed skunk native to the open grassy areas in South America. Due to their secretive lifestyle and almost nocturnal habits, hog-nosed skunks are usually much less frequently seen than the common skunks, even in localities where they are numerous.
Humboldt's hog-nosed skunk has a bare nose elongated for the purpose of finding its food. The fur is brownish-red with two symmetrical stripes on either side, extending to the tail. The skunk has long claws and well-developed forelimbs in order to dig to locate prey. Its teeth are specialized for the consumption of invertebrates and fruit, its lower molars are adapted for crushing such resistant foods.
Humboldt's hog-nosed skunks live in the open grassy areas in the Patagonian regions of South Argentina and Chile. They can be found in grasslands, shrublands, savannas, rocky areas, and also visit areas near human habitations.
Humboldt's hog-nosed skunks are solitary animals. They are active primarily at dawn and twilight spending most of their time searching for food. They are not active hunters and prefer to select prey that is easiest to capture. During the winter seasons, they usually move from open grassy habitats to shrubs, forests, and mountainous areas as insect populations decline to seek alternative food sources. Hog-nosed skunks create their own burrows, generally within a bank, or beneath a rock where they rest and hide from predators' however, they may also take the deserted burrows of other animals or natural cavities among the rocks.
Humboldt's hog-nosed skunks are omnivorous. They eat primarily insects but also rodents, carrion, shrubs, and fruit during winters when insects are less abundant.
Information about the mating system and reproductive behavior of Humboldt's hog-nosed skunks is scarce. The gestation period is known to last for about 9 weeks after which 3 to 7 helpless kits are born. The young remain in a warm den until they are able to walk about and the mother nurses them and provides protection.
This species is not considered threatened at present. Previously Humboldt's hog-nosed skunks were heavily hunted for their pelts and it is suggested they are still collected for the pet trade.
The IUCN Red List and other sources don’t provide the number of the Humboldt's hog-nosed skunk total population size. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List, and its numbers today are stable.
