Missouri Department of Conservation

Taxonomy

Common Name: SKUNK, PLAINS SPOTTED

Phylum: CHORDATA

Class: MAMMALIA

Order: CARNIVORA

Family: MEPHITIDAE

Genus: SPILOGALE

Species: PUTORIUS

Taxonomic Authority: (RAFINESQUE)

Taxonomy References: 001 , 002 , 022 , 023

Status

FURBEARER
GAME
STATE ENDANGERED
STATE RANK S1
GLOBAL RANK G5T4

Status References: 005 , 021

Habitat Summary

"Inhabit fencerows, vegetated gullies and brushy borders with logs, brushpiles, snags, rocky outcrops, open prairies, and riparian woodland areas."

Primary Habitat: "Habitat generalist"

References: 001 , 002 , 025

Distribution

General Occurrence in State:

"Very rare in north Missouri *04*."

County Occurance

County Occurence
Known Likely Unknown Not Likely Historic Extirpated
ADAIR DUNKLIN BUTLER JACKSON
ANDREW MISSISSIPPI CHRISTIAN NODAWAY
ATCHISON NEW MADRID CLAY
AUDRAIN PEMISCOT GRUNDY
BARRY SCOTT HARRISON
BARTON STODDARD HICKORY
BATES HOWARD
BENTON LACLEDE
BOLLINGER LEWIS
BOONE LIVINGSTON
BUCHANAN MACON
CALDWELL MERCER
CALLAWAY MILLER
CAMDEN MONTGOMERY
CAPE GIRARDEAU OSAGE
CARROLL PERRY
CARTER VERNON
CASS WORTH
CEDAR
CHARITON
CLARK
CLINTON
COLE
COOPER
CRAWFORD
DADE
DALLAS
DAVIESS
DEKALB
DENT
DOUGLAS
FRANKLIN
GASCONADE
GENTRY
GREENE
HENRY
HOLT
HOWELL
IRON
JASPER
JEFFERSON
JOHNSON
KNOX
LAFAYETTE
LAWRENCE
LINCOLN
LINN
MADISON
MARIES
MARION
MCDONALD
MONITEAU
MONROE
MORGAN
NEWTON
OREGON
OZARK
PETTIS
PHELPS
PIKE
PLATTE
POLK
PULASKI
PUTNAM
RALLS
RANDOLPH
RAY
REYNOLDS
RIPLEY
SALINE
SCHUYLER
SCOTLAND
SHANNON
SHELBY
ST. CHARLES
ST. CLAIR
ST. FRANCOIS
ST. LOUIS
STE. GENEVIEVE
STONE
SULLIVAN
TANEY
TEXAS
WARREN
WASHINGTON
WAYNE
WEBSTER
WRIGHT

References for distribution: 024 , 001 , 002 , 026 , 003 , 004 , 015 , 020 , 016 , 025

Distribution by Watersheds

Salt R.
Mo. R. from Nishnabotna R. to Nodaway R.
Platte R.
Grand R. from Shoal Creek to MO. R.
Marmaton R.
Mo. R. from Kansas City to Little Chariton R.
Mo. R. from Little Chariton R. to Gasconade R.
White R. below Tablerock Dam and Little North Fork White R.
Current R.

Comments: "Likely to occur in units listed, based on county occurrence."

Distribution by Ecoregions

Central Till Plains, Mississippi River Alluvial Plains, Osage Plains, Ozark Highlands

Comments: ""

Distribution by Potential Natural Vegetation

Bluestem Prairie/Oak Hickory Forest
Cedar Glades
Oak-Hickory Forest
Oak-Hickory-Pine Forest
Southern Floodplain Forest
ALL

Distribution by Natural Divisions of Missouri

Glaciated Plains
Glaciated Plains: Western
Glaciated Plains: Grand River
Glaciated Plains: Eastern
Glaciated Plains: Lincoln Hills
Big Rivers: Upper Missouri
Big Rivers: Lower Missouri
Big Rivers: Upper Mississippi
Ozark Border
Ozark Border: Missouri River
Ozark Border: Mississippi River
Ozark
Ozark: Springfield Plateau
Ozark: Upper Ozark
Ozark: St. Francois Mountains
Ozark: Elk River
Ozark: White River
Ozark: Lower Ozark
Mississippi Lowlands: Crowley's Ridge
Osage Plains

Habitat Associations

Species is associated with "Terrestrial" habitats.

National Wetlands Inventory Association:

Aquatic Associations:

References for Aquatic Associations:

Habitat Types:

Limestone Glade
Limestone Bluff and Cave
Cereal Grain
Perennial Grass (Warm season)
Shrub-Grass
Fruiting Tree-Shrub
Savanna (Shrub-Fruiting Tree)
Savanna (Grass-Shrub)
Edge (Forest-Field)
Legumes (Tame)
Oak-Hickory Regeneration (0-3 years)
Oak-Hickory Regeneration: (3-10 years)
Mature Oak-Hickory (9" + dbh, open understory)
Mature Oak-Hickory: (9" + dbh, dense understory)
Oak-Hickory Old Growth

References for Habitat Types: 004 , 006 , 025

Terrestrial Natural Communities:

Forest
Upland forest
Dry Forest
Dry-Mesic Forest
Mesic Forest
Upland Limestone/Dolomite Forest
Xeric Limestone/Dolomite Forest
Dry Limestone/Dolomite Forest
Dry-Mesic Limestone/Dolomite Forest
Mesic Limestone/Dolomite Forest
Upland Chert Forest
Xeric Chert Forest
Dry Chert Forest
Dry-Mesic Chert Forest
Upland Sandstone Forest
Xeric Sandstone Forest
Dry Sandstone Forest
Dry-Mesic Sandstone Forest
Mesic Sandstone Forest
Upland Sand Forest
Dry Sand Forest
Dry-Mesic Sand Forest
Mesic Sand Forest
Upland Igneous Forest
Xeric Igneous Forest
Dry Igneous Forest
Dry-Mesic Igneous Forest
Mesic Igneous Forest
Flatwoods
Savanna
Limestone/Dolomite Savanna
Chert Savanna
Sandstone Savanna
Sand Savanna
Igneous Savanna
Prairie
Dry Prairie
Dry-Mesic Prairie
Mesic Prairie
Wet-Mesic Prairie
Limestone/Dolomite Prairie
Dry Limestone/Dolomite Prairie
Dry-Mesic Limestone/Dolomite Prairie
Chert Prairie
Dry Chert Prairie
Dry-Mesic Chert Prairie
Sandstone/Shale Prairie
Dry Sandstone/Shale Prairie
Dry-Mesic Sandstone/Shale Prairie
Sand Prairie
Dry Sand Prairie
Dry-Mesic Sand Prairie
Hardpan Prairie
Primary
Glade
Limestone Glade
Dolomite Glade
Chert Glade
Sandstone Glade
Shale Glade
Igneous Glade
Cliff
Dry Limestone/Dolomite Cliff
Moist Limestone/Dolomite Cliff
Dry Sandstone Cliff
Moist Sandstone Cliff
Dry Chert Cliff
Moist Chert Cliff
Dry Igneous Cliff
Moist Igneous Cliff

References for Terrestrial Natural Communities: 001 , 006 , 013 , 015 , 017

Food Habits

Trophic Level:

"Omnivore"

Larval Food Habits

Comments for larval food habits:
""

References for larval food habits:

Juvenile Food Habits

Juvenile diet similar to adult's; Not Specified

Comments for Juvenile Food Habits:
""

References Juvenile Food Habits 013

Adult Food Habits

Shrubs; Fruit/Seeds
Forbs; Fruit/Seeds
Plants; Fruit/Seeds
Dicotyledoneae (dicots); Fruit/Seeds
Fagaceae (beech, oak); Fruit/Seeds
Moraceae (mulberry, hamp); Fruit/Seeds
Rosaceae (rose, cherry, plum, blackberry); Fruit/Seeds
Vitaceae (grape, creeper); Fruit/Seeds
Solanaceae (tobacco, tomato); Fruit/Seeds
Corn; Fruit/Seeds
Oats; Fruit/Seeds
Wheat; Fruit/Seeds
Birds; Egg stage
Coleoptera (beetles); Larva stage
Diptera (flies, midges, mosquitos, gnats); Pupa stage
Birds; Juvenile stage
Hemiptera (water bugs, water boatmen, stink bugs); Not Specified
Hymenoptera (sawflies, ants, wasps, bees); Not Specified
Amphibians; Not Specified
Caudata (salamanders, newts, mudpuppies, sirens); Not Specified
Reptiles; Not Specified
Sauria (lizards, skinks); Not Specified
Insects Insects; Not Specified
Orthoptera (grasshoppers, crickets, mantids); Not Specified
Eumycophyta (true Fungi); Not Specified
Gramineae (grass); Not Specified
Chilopods (centipedes); Not Specified
Diplopods (millipedes); Not Specified
Arachnids (spiders, ticks, mites, scorpions, daddy longlegs); Not Specified
Malacostraca (lobster, shrimp, crayfish, crabs); Not Specified
Cricetidae (woodrats, mice, voles, lemmings); Not Specified
Muridae (Norway rat, house mouse); Not Specified
Carrion; Not Specified
Terrestrial Insects; Not Specified
See comments on seasonal variation; Not Specified
Plants; Not Specified
Serpentes (snakes); Not Specified
Mammals; Not Specified
Soricidae (shrews); Not Specified
Chiroptera (bats); Not Specified
Leporidae (rabbits); Not Specified
Sciuridae (squirrels, chipmunks, prairie dogs); Not Specified
Coleoptera (beetles); Adult Stage
Birds; Adult Stage

Comments for Adult Food Habits:
""

References Adult Food Habits 001 , 007 , 008 , 015 , 016

Niche Requirements

Egg Niche Requirements

References for egg niches requirements:

Feeding Larvae Niche Requirements

References for feeding larvae niche requirements:

Resting Larvae Niche Requirements

References for resting Larvae niche requirements:

Feeding Juvenile Niche Requirements

Other niche requirements specified in comments(99999)
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Leaf litter/ground debris specified in comments(00460)
Downed logs with bark intact, texture intact to partly soft, elevated on support points but sagging
Downed logs with bark partly missing, texture hard, large pieces, all of log on ground
Downed log with bark absent, texture small, soft blocky pieces, all of log on ground
Downed logs with bark absent, texture soft and powdery, all of log on ground
Downed logs specified in comments(00660)
Fencerows
Stumps specified in comments(00720)

References for feeding juvenile niche requirements: 001 , 013

Resting Juvenile Niche Requirements

References for resting juvenile niche requirements:

Breeding Adult Niche Requirements

General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Natural features: cliffs, ledges
Edge: woodland/crop field edge
Edge: woodland/old field edge
Edge: woodland/grassland edge
Successional stage: abandoned field
Successional stage: climax grassland
Tree cavities: cavities in live trees
Tree cavities: cavities in dead/dying trees
Number of snags specified in comments(00500)
Snags specified in comments(00510)
Downed logs
Fencerows
Human association: barns/sheds
Stumps

References for feeding Adult niche requirements: 001 , 013 , 015 , 017

Feeding Adult Niche Requirements

Other niche requirements specified in comments(99999)
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Natural features: cliffs, ledges
Edge: woodland/crop field edge
Edge: woodland/old field edge
Edge: woodland/grassland edge
Successional stage: climax grassland
Leaf litter/ground debris specified in comments(00460)
Downed logs with bark intact, texture intact to partly soft, elevated on support points but sagging
Downed logs with bark partly missing, texture hard, large pieces, all of log on ground
Downed log with bark absent, texture small, soft blocky pieces, all of log on ground
Downed logs with bark absent, texture soft and powdery, all of log on ground
Downed logs specified in comments(00660)
Agricultural crops: small grains
Fencerows
Human association: barns/sheds
Stumps specified in comments(00720)

References for feeding adult niche requirements: 001 , 004 , 013

Resting Adult Niche Requirements

Other niche requirements specified in comments(99999)
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Natural features: cliffs, ledges
Edge: woodland/crop field edge
Edge: woodland/old field edge
Edge: woodland/grassland edge
Successional stage: climax grassland
Leaf litter/ground debris specified in comments(00460)
Downed logs with bark intact, texture intact to partly soft, elevated on support points but sagging
Downed logs with bark partly missing, texture hard, large pieces, all of log on ground
Downed log with bark absent, texture small, soft blocky pieces, all of log on ground
Downed logs with bark absent, texture soft and powdery, all of log on ground
Downed logs specified in comments(00660)
Agricultural crops: small grains
Fencerows
Human association: barns/sheds
Stumps specified in comments(00720)

References for resting adult niche requirements: 001 , 013 , 015 , 016

Niche Requirement Summary

Agricultural crops: small grains
Aspect specified in comments(00340)
Brushpiles
Downed log with bark absent, texture small, soft blocky pieces, all of log on ground
Downed logs
Downed logs specified in comments(00660)
Downed logs with bark absent, texture soft and powdery, all of log on ground
Downed logs with bark intact, texture intact to partly soft, elevated on support points but sagging
Downed logs with bark partly missing, texture hard, large pieces, all of log on ground
Edge: woodland/crop field edge
Edge: woodland/grassland edge
Edge: woodland/old field edge
Fencerows
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Human association: barns/sheds
Leaf litter/ground debris specified in comments(00460)
Natural features specified in comments(00280)
Natural features: cliffs, ledges
Natural features: rock shelters or crevices
Number of snags specified in comments(00500)
Other niche requirements specified in comments(99999)
Slope specified in comments(00330)
Snags specified in comments(00510)
Stumps
Stumps specified in comments(00720)
Successional stage: abandoned field
Successional stage: climax grassland
Tree cavities: cavities in dead/dying trees
Tree cavities: cavities in live trees

Comments about Life History:

Code Comment
017 Gestation approximately 50-60 days *01,09,10*
004 Species is a collector during warm weather and a specialist during winter, concentrating on small mammals and insect colonies or concentrations *13*
007 Breed in late winter *01*. Breed in April *09*.probably breed in March or April *10*
018 Average litter 5 *01*. Litters usually 2-6 *09*. Average litter size 5.5 *10*
022 Probably mature at 1 year of age *01*
024 In 1 study sex ratio was 1.68 males to 1 female *11*
028 In MO Ozark study, home ranges found to be 55-4359 for males. Largest home ranges seen in spring. *15*
032 Probably takes 5 years to replace wild population *01*
035 Of 115 adults examined 50% had lesions or swellings of the frontal sinuses caused by parasites. Lesions were present in 54% of 98 young adults, 52% of 21 subadult-young adults and 31% of 48 subadults. No lesions were noted in specimens younger than subadult *14*
099 Young born from April-July *01*. Are weaned at approximately 54 days *01,09*
034 Low population density may be a limiting factor on the Ozark plateau *16*
011 Den sites include haystacks, farm buildings, grain elevators, outhouses, woodpiles, wells with rock walls, straw piles, and corn cribs *025*.

Life History Information

Home range size specified in comments(028)
Periodicity: active at night
Periodicity: active at dawn or dusk
Turnover rate specified in comments(032)
Limiting factors specified in comments(034)
Regulatory factors specified in comments(035)
Other life history information specified in comments(099)
Origin in state: native
Seasonal distribution in state: all seasons
Foraging strategy specified in comments(004)
Foraging sites: ground
Foraging sites: stumps
Foraging sites: rocks
Foraging sites: logs
Breeding season specified in comments(007)
Duration of pair bond: no pair bond formed
Nest/den site: cavity in live tree
Nest/den site: cavity in dead or dying tree
Nest/den site: secondary cavity (uses existing cavity)
Nest/den site: underground burrow
Nest/den site: stumps
Nest/den site: log
Nest/den site specified in comments(011)
Nest/den site: under rocks
Nest/den site: man-made structure
Nest materials: grasses
Gestation/incubation period specified in comments(017)
Clutch/litter size specified in comments(018)
Development of young at birth/hatching: altricial
Parental care of young: female
Age at sexual maturity specified in comments(022)
Sex ratio specified in comments(024)

Comments about Life History:

Code Comment
017 Gestation approximately 50-60 days *01,09,10*
004 Species is a collector during warm weather and a specialist during winter, concentrating on small mammals and insect colonies or concentrations *13*
007 Breed in late winter *01*. Breed in April *09*.probably breed in March or April *10*
018 Average litter 5 *01*. Litters usually 2-6 *09*. Average litter size 5.5 *10*
022 Probably mature at 1 year of age *01*
024 In 1 study sex ratio was 1.68 males to 1 female *11*
028 In MO Ozark study, home ranges found to be 55-4359 for males. Largest home ranges seen in spring. *15*
032 Probably takes 5 years to replace wild population *01*
035 Of 115 adults examined 50% had lesions or swellings of the frontal sinuses caused by parasites. Lesions were present in 54% of 98 young adults, 52% of 21 subadult-young adults and 31% of 48 subadults. No lesions were noted in specimens younger than subadult *14*
099 Young born from April-July *01*. Are weaned at approximately 54 days *01,09*
034 Low population density may be a limiting factor on the Ozark plateau *16*
011 Den sites include haystacks, farm buildings, grain elevators, outhouses, woodpiles, wells with rock walls, straw piles, and corn cribs *025*.

References for life history: 001 , 009 , 010 , 013 , 015 , 016 , 025

Management

Beneficial Management Practices:

Regulate harvest of species being described
Shrub/brush - develop/maintain brushpiles
Urban - develop/maintain greenspace (wildlife corridors)
Agricultural - develop/maintain edge (ecotones)
Agricultural - develop/maintain hedgerows
Agricultural - develop/maintain brushpiles
Agricultural - maintain woodlots
Agricultural - develop/maintain windbreaks
Agricultural - maintain fencerows
Forest - maintain early stage of ecological succession
Forest - maintain wilderness environment
Forest - control grazing of domestic livestock
Forest - develop/maintain edge (ecotones)
Forest - maintain habitat diversity
Forest - reforestation
Forest - maintain old growth forests
Forest - suppression of wildfire
Forest - maintain mast producing trees
Forest - develop/maintain brushpiles
Forest - retain snags/cavity trees
Forest - other (specify in comments)

Beneficial Management References: 001 , 004 , 013 , 015 , 016 , 025

Adverse Managment Practices:

Shrub/brush - application of herbicides
Shrub/brush - application of pesticides
Shrub/brush - application of insecticides
Shrub/brush - uncontrolled grazing of domestic livestock
Agricultural - application of herbicides
Agricultural - application of pesticides
Agricultural - application of insecticides
Agricultural - clean farming
Forest - application of herbicides
Forest - application of pesticides
Forest - application of insecticides
Forest - control undesirable invertebrate species (beetles, grasshoppers)
Forest - uncontrolled grazing of domestic livestock
Grassland - application of herbicides
Grassland - application of pesticides
Grassland - application of insecticides
Grassland - uncontrolled grazing of domestic livestock

Adverse Management References: 001 , 004 , 013 , 025

Comments on Management:
Beneficial to preserve small glades and rocky outcroppings *16*. Reasons for decline include a reduction in agricultural land, loss of habitat through large farms replacing small farms, reduced prey availability due to cleaner harvest practices, removal of hedgerows and outbuildings, human and natural predators, and widespread application of DDT *025*.

References for Management Comments: 016 , 025

References

Reference Code Citation
001 Schwartz, C.W. and E.R. Schwartz. 2001. The Wild Mammals Of Missouri, 2nd Revised Edition University Of Missouri Press And Mo. Dept. Of Conserv., Columbia, Mo. 368 Pp.
002 Hall, E.R. 1981. The Mammals Of North America, 2nd Ed. John Wiley And Sons, Inc. New York. 1181pp.
003 Unpb Furbearer Harvest Survey, 1986-1990. Mo Dept. Of Conserv. 1110 S. College Ave. Columbia, Mo 65201 (573-882-9880).
004 Unpb Erickson, D.W. 1981. Mo. Dept. Of Conserv. 1110 S. College Ave. Columbia, Mo. 65201 (573-499-3761).
005 The Wildlife Code of Missouri. Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102. 573-751-4115.
006 Kelly, G. (Ed.) 1986. Animal Habitat Relations Handbook. Mo Dept. Of Conservation and U.S.D.A. Forest Service. Jefferson City, Mo. 293 Pp.
007 Selko, L.F. 1937. Food Habits Of Iowa Skunks In The Fall Of 1936. J. Wildl. Manage. 1(3-4):70-76.
008 Crabb, W.D. 1941. Food Habits Of The Prairie Spotted Skunk In Southeastern Iowa. J. Mammal. 22:349-364.
009 Haley, D. 1975. Sleek And Savage. North America's Weasel Family. Pacific Search Books. Seattle. 128 Pp.
010 Mead, R.A. 1968. Reproduction In Eastern Forms Of The Spotted Skunk (Genus Spilogale). J. Zool. 156:119-136.
011 Crabb, W.D. 1948. The Ecology And Management Of The Prairie Spotted Skunk In Iowa. Ecol. Monogr. 18(2):201-232.
012 Thom, R.H. and J.H. Wilson. 1980 The Natural Divisions Of Missouri. Trans. Mo Acad. Sci. 14:9-24.
013 Unpb Mccullough, C. Univ. Of Mo. 112 Stephens Hall, Columbia, Mo 65211.
014 Van Gelder, R.G. 1959. A Taxonomic Revision Of The Spotted Skunks (Genus Spilogale). Bull. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist. 117:229-392.
015 Mccollough, C.R. and E.K. Fritzell. 1984. Ecological Observations Of Eastern Spotted Skunks On The Ozark Plateau. Trans. Mo Acad. Sci. 18:25-32.
016 Unpb Mccollough, C.R. 1983. Population Status And Habitat Requirements Of The Eastern Spotted Skunk On The Ozark Plateau. Ms Thesis, Univ.Of Missouri-Columbia. 60 Pp.
017 Missouri Dept. Of Conservation and U.S. Forest Service. 1985. Management Of Snags And Cavity Trees In Missouri. Mo Cons. Comm, Jefferson City, Mo. 21 Pp.
018 Missouri Dept. Of Conservation and U.S. Forest Service. 1986. Management Of Old Growth Forests In Missouri. Habitat Management Series No. 3. 16 Pp.
019 Rare And Endangered Species Checklist Of Missouri. 1997. MO Dept. Of Conservation. Natural Heritage Database. 33 Pp.
020 Unpb Missouri Department of Conservation Heritage Database. P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo 65102.
021 Missouri Natural Heritage Program. 2004. Missouri Species and Communities of Conservation Concern Checklist. Missouri Department Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Missouri. 47 Pp.
022 Jones, C., R.S. Hoffmann, D.W. Rice, R.J. Baker, M.D. Engstrom, R.D. Bradley, D.J. Schmidly and C.A. Jones. 1997. Revised Checklist Of North American Mammals North Of Mexico, 1997. Occ. Pap. Mus. Texas Tech. Univ. No. 173. 25 Pp.
023 Dragoo, J.W. and R.L. Honeycutt. 1997. Systematics Of Mustelid-Like Carnivores. J. Mammal. 78:426-443.
024 Unpb Combes, Jackie. 2003. Missouri Dept. of Conservation, 1110 S. College Ave., Columbia, MO 65201 (573-882-9909).
025 DeSanty-Combes, J. 2003. Statewide ditribution of plains spotted skunks (Spilogale putorius interrupta) in Missouri. Missouri Department of Conservation. 1110 S. College Ave, Columbia, MO 65201. 573-882-9909. 38p.
026 UNPB Shelby Timm. MDC Mammal Database. Missouri Dept. of Conservation, Ellington Office. 2929 County Rd 618, Ellington, MO 63638/