Andes skunk
Molina's hog-nosed skunk (Conepatus chinga) is a skunk species from South America. Like all skunk species, Molina's hog-nosed skunk is known for its ability to spray a liquid with a strong, unpleasant scent from its anal glands.
Molina's hog-nosed skunk has black fur and two white stripes running from the top of the head down the sides of the body. The tail is mostly white in color. Molina's hog-nosed skunk has scent glands under its tail, which it can use as a defensive weapon. These glands produce the skunk's spray, which is a mixture of sulfur-containing chemicals, which have an offensive odor.
Molina's hog-nosed skunks are found in Chile, Peru, northern Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and southern Brazil. They inhabit temperate regions and open areas, mainly described as the Pampas biome. They live in mountainous areas and prefer open vegetation, shrub forests, and rocky sloped areas.
Molina's hog-nosed skunks are solitary and territorial animals. They live singly within their home ranges and come together temporarily for mating purposes. They are active during the night and during the daylight hours rest in burrows that they dig or abandoned armadillo burrows.
Molina's hog-nosed skunks are omnivores. They eat birds, small mammals, eggs, insects, leaves, and fruit.
Molina's hog-nosed skunks are polygynandrous (promiscuous) meaning both the males and the females have more than one partner during the mating season. They breed in spring. After the gestation period that lasts for 2 months, the female gives birth to 2-5 kits. The female feeds and protects her young alone. Weaning usually occurs 8-10 weeks after birth and the young become reproductively mature when they are 10-2 months old.
The main threats to Molina's hog-nosed skunk are increased habitat destruction and fragmentation from over-exploitation of humans and grazing in agriculture. These animals are also affected by the planning of new roads and road-kills. Due to improper planning, habitat destruction, and fragmentation, skunks have started living around man-made structures and along fences and buildings.
According to the IUCN Red List, the Molina's hog-nosed skunk is locally common throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List but its numbers today are decreasing.
