Striped Skunk Presentation
Transcript: (Henry, 2013). (Gamp, 2012) SCIN130 B010 Sum 17 DR. JOAN JORGENSEN ASSIGNMENT #5: THE PRESENTATION Presented by Shana Allen THANK YOU FOR WATCHING! (Mephitis Mephitis) Striped Skunk (Oswaldo, 2007). a rose by any other name would still smell as stinky a rose by any other name would still smell as stinky Common Names: Striped Skunk Pole Cat Scientific Name: Mephitis Mephitis Finding my organism Finding my organism While Striped Skunks are very populous, I was unable to observe them in their natural habitat because they are not an animal to come into close proximity with. To The Internet! To The Internet! However, the internet provided good and accurate information on this creature. Caution BEWARE! Introduction Introduction Mephitis mephitis thrives in wild and urban settings alike. They are beneficial to farmers and other home dwellers because they take care of rodent and insect issues even if they are considered a nusisance by humans . They are generally quite and solitary creatues. They only defend when they feel as if they are in danger or are startled. Location, Location, Location Location, Location, Location Continental United States Northern Mexico Southern Canada (as cited in Kiiskila, n.d.), Homes In The Wild ---------------------- Homes In The Wild ---------------------- Summer = above ground dens hollow trees around boulders bushes Winter = underground dens burrows ("Skunk Facts & Skunk", n.d.). Homes Near Us -------------------- Homes Near Us -------------------- Skunks like to burrow anywhere they can get. Buildings Porches Dog houses Barns Bushes Sheds ....etc.... ("Skunk Facts & Skunk", n.d.). Appearance Appearance Trademark: Black & White Stripes Length: 18 - 32 Inches Weight: 1.5 - 13 pounds. They are notable for the white striped down their backside. The stripe varies by breed, but it is used as a warning method for predators. (Kiiskila, n.d.). Reason for Choice Reason for Choice I chose to do my project on the Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis) because it is a species that is shunned because of its defense mechanism. Usually, the only thing associated with a skunk is its odor. However, they are bright and curious little creatures. There is much more to them than the stink, and I feel it is important for us to learn that. Don't judge a book by its cover, so they say. Life Cycle & Structure and Function Life Cycle & Structure and Function Mephitis mephitis is a solitary creatures that mates once a year. However, if the kits (baby skunks) die, the female will try to mate a second time during the year. Average Lifespon is 6 years in the wild and 10 years in captivity. However, most wild kits won't live past year 1. (Kiiskila, n.d.). Mating 101 ----------------- Males mate with the famle and go poof, never to be seen again. Mating 101 ----------------- A skunk will be ready for reproductive activities at 10 months of age. So, the mother is left as the sole caregiver for up to ten kits at a time. Weaning begins at six to seven weeks of age. Then it all begins again. (Kiiskila, n.d.). TO SPRAY OR NOT TO SPRAY -------------------------- TO SPRAY OR NOT TO SPRAY -------------------------- The Endocrine System is responsible for producing the skunk's biggest defense weapon - their anal spray. This, however, is not their first line of defense. Skunks typically give plenty of warning to predators and intruders. (Ault, 2015). 1. Look at predator 2. stop feet 3. hiss or gro... LINE OF DEFENSE --------------------- 1. Look at predator 2. stop feet 3. hiss or growl 4. get predator's attention 5. Not-so-secret spray Skunk Spray --------------------- Skunk Spray --------------------- Skunks have two oval-shaped anal glands that are one to one-and-a-half inches wide on each side of its anus. When activated, the glands secrete a stream of liquid that mix to create an obnoxious odor. (Kiiskila, n.d.). Evolution Evolution The Striped Skunk journeyed to the New World and set up roots throughout North America and part of South America. Fossil and biological record proposes that skunks are not included in the Mustelidae family, as it has previous been believed. Instead, they belong to a clade of Procyonidae and Mustelidae. (Wolsan, 1999, p. 224). TIMELINE TIMELINE Late Miocene Era (about 5 MYA) Wisconsian Glaction Period (110,000 - 10,00 years ago) Pleitocene Era (about 1.8 MYA) Modern Day Put up roots in the New England area S. Canada Continental US N. Mexico New World (Wang, X., Carranza-Castañeda, O., & Aranda-Gómez, J. J., 2014). Skunks are interesting things too! Skunks are interesting things too! Skunks have become a more popular pet over the past few decades because of their likeness to cats. Domesticated skunks have their anal glands removed. Skunks are WILD animals NOT squishable pets DO NOT TRY AT HOME! Natural Defense At Its Best DO NOT TRY AT HOME! (Iansingwbu, 2011). RABIES --------------- RABIES --------------- Skunks carry the Rabies virus. Males, since they mate more frequently, are more likely to FEED
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