Palawan Stink Badger

The English word skunk has two root words of Algonquian and Iroquoian origin, specifically seganku (Abenaki) and scangaresse (Huron). The Cree and Ojibwe word shee-gawk is the root word for Chicago, which means 'skunk-land'.

Although smaller than true badgers, the Palawan stink badger is one of the larger members of the skunk family, the Mephitidae. Adults measure 32 to 46 cm (13 to 18 in) in length, about the same size as the striped skunk native to North America, and weigh anything from 0.85 to 2.5 kg (1.9 to 5.5 lb). In physical appearance, however, they more closely resemble badgers than skunks. They have a pointed snout with a mobile nose, and a stocky body with short and powerful limbs bearing sharply recurved claws. The tail is very short in comparison to the body, measuring only 1.5 to 4.5 cm (0.59 to 1.77 in), and lacking the bushy fur of many skunks. The ears are almost invisible, with only vestigial pinnae, and the eyes are also relatively small.

The fur is dark brown to black over most of the body, fading to a more brownish colour on the underparts. There are also scattered white hairs across the back and over the forehead, but not the white stripe and head-patch found on the closely related Sunda stink badger. Compared with its sister species, the Palawan stink badger is also slightly smaller, with larger teeth and longer fur. Females have six teats.

The two 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.

Stink badgers, like skunks, have anal glands that release a pungent fluid that can be sprayed. Vomiting and nausea - The stench may make you queasy. The person may vomit or have diarrhea if any spray enters the mouth. Breathing difficulties - Skunk and stink badger odor can make it difficult to breathe. Breathing difficulties may occur in people who have respiratory illnesses like COPD or asthma.

Like other tiny carnivores, Palawan stink badgers are not specialized swimmers, although they can swim when necessary. Unless they are fleeing predators or traversing tiny streams, they usually stay away from water. Strong claws enable stink badgers to burrow swiftly in search of insects or shelter.

• Farting

The Palawan stink badger is a nocturnal mammal that eats mostly minute invertebrates that they scrape up from the ground using their strong claws. They can spend the day in dens they have dug since they are skilled diggers. They are known to use scent to identify their territory and can travel up to 2 km (1.2 mi) in quest of food. Large owls and eagles, reticulated pythons, saltwater crocodiles, dogs, leopard cats, and invasive species are their primary predators.

Reproduction

• Breeding season: Not well documented; believed to have 1–2 breeding periods yearly.

• Gestation: Estimated 40–60 days (similar to Sunda stink badger).

• Litter size: 1–3 offspring.

• Parental care: Young stay with the mother in burrows until weaning.

The majority of Palawan stink badgers are crepuscular or nocturnal. With the exception of mating and raising offspring, Palawan stink badgers are solitary. This skunk relies more on scent defense than speed and is calm and slow-moving. The stink badger digs shallow tunnels with several exits.

Palawan stink badgers are not extremely aggressive and move slowly, only freezing or growling as a warning when threatened. Mephitids are also extremely nearsighted and docile but defensive animals towards humanity. Locals in Palawan sometimes encounter them near farms or rural homes at night.

Stink badgers and skunks are referred to as "pantot" in Palawan folklore, which is not particularly symbolic but acknowledged as a foul-smelling but innocuous woodland animal. Native Filipinos view it less as a mythical or ceremonial animal and more as an annoyance. Usually, there isn't a strong cultural connection that is taken.

Since the stink badger is a natural species, unrelated to religious rites or indigenous identity, and not a sign of any particular protected cultural practice, using it in art, mascots, or storytelling typically carries no risk of cultural appropriation.

Threats

• Habitat loss from agriculture, mining, and deforestation.

• Roadkill, especially near settlements.

• Hunting, though not common, occurs when regarded as a pest.

• Invasive predators (dogs, cats).

• Persecuted by native species such as pythons, crocodiles, and large raptors.

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Near Threatened (NT)

Conservation efforts

• Habitat protection

• Anti-poaching enforcement

• Rescue and rehabilitation centers (e.g., in Palawan)

• Awareness campaigns against illegal pet trade

• due to its extremely limited range on a few Philippine islands.

The Philippine island of Palawan, as well as the neighboring islands of Busuanga and Calauit, are home to Palawan stink badgers. They use the natural bushes as refuge and spend most of their time in the grasslands and farmed parts of these islands.

• Movement Pattern: Random

• Individual Type: Solo

• Population Trend: Increasing

• Population: ???

• Locomotion: Terrestrial

• Habitat: Montane Grasslands and Shrublands; Temperate Coniferous Forests; Temperate Broadleaf and Mixed Forests; Temperate Deciduous Forests, Temperate Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands; Subtropical Coniferous Forests; Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests; Subtropical Dry Broadleaf Forests; Subtropical Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands; Tropical Coniferous Forests; Tropical Moist Broadleaf Forests; Tropical Dry Broadleaf Forests; Tropical Grasslands; Tropical Savannas and Shrublands; Mediterranean Forests, Woodlands, and Scrub; Flooded Grasslands and Savannas; Swamp; Bayous/Billabongs; Riparian; Wetland; Mangrove Forest; Cold Bamboo Forests; Tropical Bamboo Forests; Air-breathing Coral Reefs; Graveyard Vale; Mountain.

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  • Extant (Resident): Philippines (Palawan)

It is not appropriate to keep the stink badger as a pet. The reasons for this species are as follows: Stress in captivity may result in frequent spraying; it is illegal to keep without wildlife licenses in the Philippines; it is difficult to domesticate; it is lonely and often stressed; and it is a wild animal with a specialized diet and powerful scent glands found to skunks.

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• Breton: Broc'h flaerius Palawan

• Catalan: Mofeta teixó de Palawan

• English: Palawan Stink-badger, Palawan Stink Badger

• Español: Tejón mofeta de Palawan

• Iloko: Pantot, Teledu

• Indonesian: Teledu Sigung Palawan, Pantot

• Korean: 팔라완오소리, 판돝

• Palawan Batak: Pantot, tuldo

• Tagalog: Pantot, Pantot ng Palawan, Mopeta ng Pilipinas

• Türkçe: Malaya kokan porsuğu, Pantot

• The first skunk.

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palawan_stink_badger

• https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/14055/45201420

• https://animalia.bio/palawan-stink-badger

• https://www.deviantart.com/ognimdo2002/art/Palawan-Stink-Badger-976546100