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Channel Islands National ParkIsland spotted skunk - NPS Photo
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Channel Islands National Park
Island Spotted Skunk
 

Common Name
Island Spotted Skunk

Scientific Name
Spilogale gracilis amphiala

Habitat
Hills and steep canyons covered by grasses, chaparral, coastal sage, and scrub oak throughout Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz Islands.

Natural History
The recent decline of the endemic island fox (Urocyon littoralis) on the northern Channel Islands prompted investigation on the status of the island spotted skunk on Santa Rosa Island. Little is known about the island spotted skunk on Santa Cruz Island, and no data have been collected on the status of the Santa Rosa Island population.

Additional Information
For a brief analisys on the spotted skunk, please read Status and Demographics of the Santa Rosa Island Spotted Skunk.

Santa Rosa Island Spotted Skunk
Status of the Skunk
Status and demographics of the Santa Rosa Island Spotted Skunk.
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arch point, santa barbara island timhaufphotography.com
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Aerial view of the Channel Islands                  timhaufphotography.com  

Did You Know?
The Channel Islands are home to the oldest dated human remains in North America—Arlington Springs Woman (13,000 BP).

Last Updated: August 25, 2006 at 18:04 EST