Sunda 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'.

Sunda stink badgers are smaller than other badger species, with a body form that is similar to that of badgers. They range in size from 37 to 52 cm (15 to 20 in) in total length and weigh between 1.3 and 3.6 kg (2.9 to 7.9 lb). The majority of their body is covered in coarse, black or very dark brown fur, with a white stripe running from the top of the head to the tail. The short tail is entirely white on top and measures around 3.6 cm (1.4 in) in length. Although the stripe's width varies greatly between individuals, it is typically narrow and occasionally discontinuous. Stink badgers, as their name suggests, have an anal scent gland that secretes an unpleasant odor that the animal may spray up to 15 cm (5.9 in) away. There are six teats on females.

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 their Palawan relatives, Javan stink badgers are excellent diggers. They can dig for worms and quickly dig tunnels because to their strong forelimbs and claws. They are also good climbers and adept runners, albeit not very fast. Although they are not designed to be strong or frequent swimmers, Javan stink badgers can swim when necessary. They favor forest floors and dry ground.

• Farting

The Sunda stink badger is mostly nocturnal and omnivorous. Its food is primarily composed of insects, eggs, and carrion. Using its snout and claws, it digs into soft dirt at night in search of worms and insects that live beneath the ground. It spends the day sleeping in little tunnels, fewer than 60 cm (24 in) long, that it either digs itself or that it takes over from other creatures like porcupines. There have been reports of females having litters of two or three babies. Large birds of prey, snakes, and carnivorous animals (dholes, tigers, leopards, and small cats) are among the predators of Javan stink badgers, albeit few of them approach them because of their spray. Important as insect controllers and soil aerators through digging behavior.

Reproduction

• Breeding occurs year-round in some regions.

• Gestation: around 2 months.

• Litter size: 1–3 young (usually 2).

• Young are born with some fur and are fairly developed.

• Mothers are highly protective and use burrows to raise their offspring.

Javan 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 Southeast Asia sometimes encounter them near farms or rural homes at night.

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: Least Concern (LC)

Conservation efforts

• Habitat protection

• Anti-poaching enforcement

• Rescue and rehabilitation centers (e.g., in Borneo, Java, Sumatra)

• Awareness campaigns against illegal pet trade

• They remain relatively widespread and adaptable.

Java, Sumatra, Borneo, and the northern Natuna Islands are among the locations where Sunda stink badgers, as their name suggests, can be found. Sunda stink badgers can be found in a range of environments, such as secondary woodland or forest edges. Historically, it was believed that they were confined to lowland plains and higher heights of over 2,000 m (6,600 ft). This is no longer the case; more recent surveys have revealed that Sunda stink-badgers are frequently located at elevations considerably below 2000 meters.

• 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.

• Earth: 

  • Extant (Resident): Indonesia (Sumatera, Jawa, Kalimantan); Malaysia (Sabah, Sarawak)

  • Presence Uncertain: Brunei Darussalam

The Sunda stink badger is frequently prohibited and is not advised. For the following reasons: They have specialized diets and require natural burrowing habitats; they are solitary, wild animals that are not adapted to captivity; they spray stronger musk than conventional skunks; and they may bite when under duress. Similar to Palawan stink badgers, they are not domesticated like pet skunks in North America.

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Earth

• Breton: Broc'h flaerius Jawa

• Catalan: Mofeta teixó de Java

• English: Sunda Stink-badger, Indonesian Stink Badger, Malay Badger, Teledu, Malayan Stink Badger, Sunda Stink Badger

• Español: Tejón mofeta de Palawan

• Iloko: Pantot Jawa, Teledu Jawa

• Indonesian: Teledu Sigung Jawa, Pantot

• Korean: 팔라완오소리

• Palawan Batak: Pantot Melayu, Tuldo

• Tagalog: Pantot, Pantot ng Jawa, Mopeta ng Jawa

• Türkçe: Endonezya kokan porsuğu, Pantot, Teludu

• The first skunk.

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

• https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/41628/45209955

• https://www.peta.org/issues/wildlife/living-harmony-wildlife/skunks/

• https://www.skedaddlewildlife.com/location/madison/blog/can-you-get-sick-when-skunk-sprays/

• https://www.britannica.com/animal/Palawan-stink-badger

• https://www.deviantart.com/ognimdo2002/art/Sunda-Stink-Badger-976546102