Home range and activity patterns of Conepatus semistriatus (Carnivora, Mephitidae) in Emas National Park, Brazil

Research on the striped skunk (Conepatus semistriatus) in Emas National Park, Brazil, reveals that this elusive carnivore is predominantly nocturnal and highly active during foraging. The study, using radio-collaring data from three individuals over 157 observations, found that temperature significantly influenced activity patterns, while light had no apparent effect. Home range estimates averaged 1.39 ± 0.87 km² (Minimum Convex Polygon method) and 0.69 ± 0.25 km² (Local Convex Hull method), with substantial overlap (0.27 km²) between individuals in resource-rich areas. This suggests that C. semistriatus may be more abundant or active than previously assumed, particularly in regions with accessible food sources.

Cavalcanti, G., Alfaro-Alvarado, L., & Rodrigues, F. (2014). Home range and activity patterns of Conepatus semistriatus (Carnivora, Mephitidae) in Emas National Park, Brazil. Animal Biology, 64(2), 151–162. https://doi.org/10.1163/15707563-00002436