Survey of the hooded skunk in the Trans-Pecos Ecoregion

The hooded skunk (Mephitis macroura) is recognized as a species of greatest conservation need in Texas and is one of the rarest carnivores in Texas. It is one of five species of skunks in Texas, and documentation of this mammal has been difficult in part because of its variable pelage patterns, all like those of the ubiquitous striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis). We studied this species to meet three objectives: 1) determine hooded skunk historical and recent occurrence records in the state, 2) conduct a field-based study of the lower elevations of the Big Bend region of Texas to inform local presence, and 3) model the distribution of the species with an emphasis on Chihuahuan Desert populations.  This report details the results of our studies and how those research objectives were met.