![]() There are twelve extant species of mephitids in four genera: Conepatus ( hog-nosed skunks, four species) Mephitis (the hooded and striped skunks, two species) Mydaus (stink badgers, two species) and Spilogale ( spotted skunks, four species). A 2017 study using retroposon markers indicated that they are most closely related to the Ailuridae ( red pandas and allies) and Procyonidae ( raccoons and allies). Similarly, the stink badgers had been classified with badgers, but genetic evidence shows they share a more recent common ancestor with skunks, so they are now included in the skunk family. ![]() Skunks were formerly classified as a subfamily of the Mustelidae (the weasel family) however, recent genetic evidence has caused skunks to be treated as a separate family. ![]() They are noted for the great development of their anal scent glands, which they use to deter predators. Mephitidae is a family of mammals comprising the skunks and stink badgers. ![]()
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