Head to head
Molina's Hog-nosed Skunk vs Patagonian Hog-nosed Skunk
Molina's Hog-nosed Skunk
VS Patagonian Hog-nosed Skunk
Both skunks share the same rooting snout and chemical defence, but their geographic ranges differ considerably.
| Molina's Hog-nosed Skunk | Patagonian Hog-nosed Skunk | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Conepatus chinga | Conepatus humboldtii |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Population trend | Stable | Stable |
| Range | Central and southern South America, north to Bolivia and Peru | Patagonia and southern Chile and Argentina only |
| Named after | Naturalist Juan Ignacio Molina | Naturalist Alexander von Humboldt |
| Snout | Elongated, pig-like, used for rooting | Elongated, pig-like, used for rooting |
| Defence | Powerful chemical spray | Powerful chemical spray |
| Habitat | Grassland, desert, mountains | Grassland, mountains |
Molina's Hog-nosed Skunk vs Patagonian Hog-nosed Skunk: common questions
Which skunk has the larger range?
Molina's hog-nosed skunk does, extending across a far broader stretch of South America north into Bolivia and Peru, while the Patagonian hog-nosed skunk stays confined to the far south.
Are both skunks named after naturalists?
Yes, Molina's hog-nosed skunk is named after Juan Ignacio Molina, while the Patagonian hog-nosed skunk's alternative name, Humboldt's hog-nosed skunk, honours Alexander von Humboldt.
Do both skunks use the same defence?
Yes, both species defend themselves with the same powerful, foul-smelling chemical spray common to all skunk species, advertised by bold black-and-white warning colouration.