Distribution and Relative Abundance of Eastern Spotted Skunk Records across Their Range

Perry, Roger W.; Sasse, D.; Perkins, J. Clint; Sharp, Nicholas W.

doi:10.1656/058.020.0sp1103

Cited by 9 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…Spilogale interrupta (Rafinesque) (Plains Spotted Skunk) is non-uniformly distributed throughout the Great Plains, Ouachita Mountains, and Ozark Plateau of the central US (Kinlaw 1995, Perry et al 2021). The species occurs in a wide variety of land-cover types across its range, but primarily in areas with extensive vegetative cover and decreased open area (Kinlaw, 1995).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Examination of Plains Spotted Skunk (Spilogale interrupta) Burrow Systems

Benson,

Perkins,

Jefferson

et al. 2023

Southeastern Naturalist

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Spilogale interrupta (Plains Spotted Skunk) and other species within the Spilogale genus have often been documented as using burrows for cover; however, schematics of a Plains Spotted Skunk burrow have only been documented once in the literature. While recovering 2 GPS radio transmitters in the Katy Prairie region of Southeast Texas, we excavated 2 active Plains Spotted Skunk burrows. Herein, we describe the schematics of 1 system that likely was excavated initially by a Geomys breviceps (Baird's Pocket Gopher) and the general schematics of a second burrow system frequently used by a different radiocollared individual. Both systems contained an obstructed entrance and a detritus-filled central cavity and were in locations higher in elevation than the surrounding matrix. Our observations further confirm the 3 requirements for Plains Spotted Skunk diurnal restlocation usage-protection from predation, thermoregulatory benefits, and protection from inclement weather-while providing additional insight into the intricacies of the burrow system itself. Further research into the structure of Spilogale burrows is needed to improve future conservation and management efforts of the genus.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Examination of Plains Spotted Skunk (Spilogale interrupta) Burrow Systems

Benson,

Perkins,

Jefferson

et al. 2023

Southeastern Naturalist

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“…, although distribution was by alternate means as email blast and social media campaigns were not available techniques. A public survey in Oklahoma resulted in 182 confirmed or probable plains spotted skunk observations by distributing posters to rural Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation license vendors, publishing an article in the Outdoor Oklahoma Magazine, and mailing a detailed survey to 840 individuals familiar with the species(Hoagland 1999).Additionally, a concurrent S. putorius crowdsource project in Alabama has yielded verified reports by targeting agency employed biologists and law enforcement officers as well as fur trappers and hunters, among other groups(Perry et al 2021). A recent post-season trapper survey analysis in Arkansas indicated that fur trappers are willing to participate in surveys, provide presence data on spotted skunks (n = 60 total captures), and, in some cases, provide carcasses or samples of the skunks for future examination(Sasse 2018).…”

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confidence: 99%

An evaluation of detection methods for the plains spotted skunk

Perkins

Gibson

Wolaver

et al. 2022

Wildlife Society Bulletin

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Research on rare or understudied species often benefits from employing multiple survey techniques to ensure highest efficacy in detecting individuals. The plains spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius interrupta) is an uncommon mephitid historically distributed throughout much of Texas, USA. To inform the current distribution of plains spotted skunks in Texas, we integrated occurrence data from natural history collections and field surveys with data from academic, wildlife, and citizen scientist groups, resulting in 286 verified occurrence records from 1892 through 2018. We modeled historic species distribution using 64 records from natural history collections to direct surveying efforts in 13 counties using live traps, camera traps, and track plates. Field surveys and citizen science camera trap surveys resulted in 16 records while crowdsourcing resulted in 23 verified reports detailing 78 unique plains spotted skunk records. Our efforts resulted in a 49% increase in occurrence records from 1892 to 2018 (186-286) and a 1,000% increase in records since 2000 . Using our methods, researchers and managers can optimize collection of plains spotted skunk occurrence data to better understand the species, produce more robust datasets for future management, and help ensure the best science is used when drafting conservation plans for plains spotted skunks.

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