The striped skunk : factors affecting a solitary social system

Most behavioral ecological research on carnivores has focused on those few (10- 15%) species which are social. This dissertation focuses on factors related to social behavior in a solitary carnivore, the striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis). I examined home range size and overlap, movement patterns, habitat preferences for home ranges and den sites, genetic variability within skunk populations and the biochemistry of lipids in skunk musk. None of these aspects of skunk biology have been examined extensively or quantitatively before. Of six variables expected to impact home range size (season, body size, latitude, habitat and number of radio fixes), only the first two showed any effect: skunks have larger home ranges in the spring than in the winter and heavier females have larger home ranges. Movement patterns showed a similar relationship: skunks moved faster in the spring than in the winter. Home range overlap was extensive (up to 100% of an individual's home range) and did not show the pattern of intrasexual territoriality found in most mustelids. There was no clear pattern of habitat preferences in home range and den usage, but there is some indication of a preference for edges. Several examples of communal denning and long-term den use were found, although this was not expected so far south. Genetic variability in striped skunks was comparable to that found in other mammals. Biochemical analysis of lipids revealed a greater number of more diverse and complex compounds than previously found in skunk musk.