Patagonian Skunk Facts

Name: Chingue de la Patagonia / Patagonia hog-nosed Skunk
Scientific Name: Conepatus humboldtii
Family: Mustelidae
Order: Carnivorous
Size: It measures between 60 and 75 cm, with a tail of about 15 to 18 cm. (21.7 to 26 in including tail , 6.5 to 7.8 in)
Weight: 1 to 4 kilos (2 to 9 lb.)

Reproduction:
Mates in spring and after a 9 week gestation period has 3-7 pups.

Distribution:
They live in the Chilean Patagonia and Argentina. In Chile it can be found in the region of Aysen and Magallanes down to the Magellan Strait.

Features:
Its colour can be black, dark brown or light brown. The distribution and quantity of white hair is variable. There are specimens with a completely white tail.

Habitat:
Steppe and Shrub areas.

Food Habits:
They are omnivorous, eating insects, worms, rodents, fruits and plant roots .This animal is an excellent digger; it makes its own den and digs the ground in search of food. It defends form its enemies by launching a foul liquid, that is highly irritating to skin, from their anal glands.