Conepatus humboldtii
Humboldt's hog-nosed skunk

Patagonian hog-nosed skunks are found in Chile and Argentina from 38 to 42 degrees south to the Strait of Magellan. (Fuller, et al., 1987)

Habitat use for Patagonian hog-nose skunks ranges from grass and shrub land to rocky outcroppings. They may also be found around human dwellings (e.g. houses, sheds, etc.). Conepatus humboldtii is found at elevations from 200 to 700 m above sea level. (Fuller, et al., 1987)

Conepatus humboldtii is approximately 50 to 60 cm in length counting the tail which is 15 to 18 centimeters in length. These animals weigh between 1100 to 4500 g. Both males and females are black and may have 1 or 2 stripes down the side of their bodies. They are sexually dimorphic with the males being slightly larger. Conepatus humboldtii has a bare, broad, projecting face that lacks the thin white line down the middle. This allows it to be easily distinguished from similar species of skunk. (Nowak, 1999)

C. humboldtii undergoes similar development as other mustelidae. At birth young weigh approximately one ounce. Growth to adulthood usually takes up to 3 months (Chapman and Feldhammer 1982).

The mating system of these animals has not been described.

Data are lacking on the breeding season of this species, but in congeneric Conepatus mesoleucus in Texas, reproduction usually occurs between February and March. Gestation for C. humboldtii lasts approximately 9 weeks. Patagonian hog-nosed skunks bear 3 to 7 altricial young. The reason for such a small litter is believed to be the relatively small number of mammae possessed by the females. Female Patagonian hog-nosed skunks have 3 pair of mammae, as opposed to other species of skunks, which may have more. Young are not “weaned” in the traditional sense, but simply stop nursing when able to take in a regular diet. (Chapman and Feldhamer, 1982; Fuller, et al., 1987)

The timing of sexual maturity in C. humboldtii is not known, but in C. mesoleucus has been reported as 10 to 11 months of age. (Nowak, 1999)

The parental care of this species has not been described. However, other skunks give birth to altricial young, which are kept in a den or nest until they are able to walk about. The mother provides the young with food in the form of milk, and protection. (Nowak, 1999)

Little is known about the lifespan of C. humboldtii in the wild. However, similar species of hog-nosed skunk have lived up to 7 years in captivity. (Chapman and Feldhamer, 1982)

Patagonian hog-nosed skunks are solitary creatures that are active mainly at night. Home ranges of individual skunks may overlap and range from 9.7 ha to 16.4 ha. During the daylight hours C. humboldtii seeks out burrows or dens for resting. It was observed that C. humboldtii never returned to the same den during the day. Patagonian hog-nosed skunks forage exclusively in green grassy areas. (Chapman and Feldhamer, 1982; Fuller, et al., 1987)

Home ranges vary from 9.7 to 16.4 ha. (Fuller, et al., 1987)

Conepatus humboldtii communicates by bodily gestures to ward off potential danger. This may be stamping its feet or raising its rear in the air. Like other skunks, it is known to eject a foul smelling secretion from its anal glands if threatened. Little is known of mating behavior of C. humboldtii. (Chapman and Feldhamer, 1982; Nowak, 1999)

Patagonian hog-nosed skunks primarily eat insects. They may however feed on small mammals, shrubs, and fruit in addition to insects. (Fuller, et al., 1987)

Conepatus humboldtii has no real natural predators, although certain species of skunks have been preyed upon by raptors such as great-horned owls. The lack of natural predators may be in fact due to the skunk’s ability to emit a powerful smelling musk out of anal glands on its rear end. (Chapman and Feldhamer, 1982)

There are reports that hog-nosed skunks in the Andes are immune to the venum of pit vipers. This might indicate an historic case of predation on these skunks by snakes which is no longer of importance, or it may indicate that the skunks prey on pit vipers. (Nowak, 1999)

C. humboldtii probably affects populations of insects and other small mammals it preys upon. To the extent that it digs in the soil for burrowing or to locate its insect prey, this species probably also helps to aerate the soil. (Chapman and Feldhamer, 1982)

The pelts of hog-nosed skunk were exported a great deal between 1960 and 1980. The pelts of C. humboldtii were thought to be of lesser value than other Conepatus species. In 1983, C. humboldtii was protected against export in Argentina and Chile. These animals are apparently still used in the pet trade. (Chapman and Feldhamer, 1982)

These anmals are not reported to have any negative economic impact on humans.

Conepatus humboldtii is listed on the CITES appendix II. (Fuller, et al., 1987)

Very little is known about this particular species of hog-nosed skunk (e.g. population density, mating system, etc.). More research into the natural history of this species is required for complete understanding.