Mephitids

Mephitids are mammals in 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 deter predators. Skunks were formerly classified as a subfamily of the Mustelidae (the weasel family); however, in the 1990s, genetic evidence 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. A 2017 study using retroposon markers indicated that they are most closely related to the Ailuridae (red pandas and allies) and Procyonidae (raccoons and allies)

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, Brunei, Malaysia 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.

This category is for animals that are mephitids.