Mephitids are mammals that are members of the family Mephitidae, comprising the skunks and stink badgers. They are noted for the great development of their anal scent glands, which they use to defend themselves against predators.
There are 12 extant species of mephitids in 4 genera: Conepatus (hog-nosed skunks, 4 species); Mephitis (the hooded and striped skunks, 2 species); Mydaus (stink badgers, 2 species); and Spilogale (spotted skunks, 4 species). The 2 stink badgers in the genus Mydaus inhabit Indonesia and the Philippines; the other members of the family inhabit the Americas, ranging from Canada to central South America. All other mephitids are extinct, known through fossils, including those from Eurasia.
Skunks were formerly classified as a subfamily of the Mustelidae (the weasel family); however, recent genetic evidence has caused skunks to be treated as a separate family. Similarly, the stink badgers had been classified with badgers, but genetic evidence shows they share a more recent common ancestor with skunks, so they are now included in the skunk family.
This category is for animals that are mephitids.
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