Conepatus chinga
The Hog-nosed Skunk in our area is known as Molino’s Hog-nosed Skunk. it is prodominantly dark brown/black with a prominent white stripe running down each side.
Its length is between 45-90cm including the tail and it weights between 2.5 – 4.5kg.
Its range includes Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay and probably parts of Brazil and Chile. It is nocturnal and hunts insects using its snout to burrow in the earth. It will also eat eggs which puts it in direct confrontation with humans.
With their highly efficient deterrant using anal scent glands, this species does not have many predators. Humans are by far the most serious although snakes may sometimes be successful predators.
In Argentina this species is known as Zorrino comun.
We have only encountered this species once in Cambyreta, north of the Ibera Marshes. It is probably prefers drier areas.
