| Island spotted skunk | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Carnivora |
| Family: | Mephitidae |
| Genus: | Spilogale |
| Species: | |
| Subspecies: | S. g. amphialus
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| Trinomial name | |
| Spilogale gracilis amphialus Dickey, 1929
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| Synonyms[2] | |
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The island spotted skunk (Spilogale gracilis amphiala) is an insular endemic carnivore and a subspecies of the western spotted skunk (Spilogale gracilis). Little is known about their exact variations from the mainland spotted skunk and variations between locations, resolution of which awaits further genetic and morphologic evaluation. The skunk is only currently found on two islands off the southern coast of California (Santa Cruz Island, and Santa Rosa Island, where its occurrence is rare). Its presence has been recorded on San Miguel Island, but it has since been declared extinct in that area. The Channel Island skunk is one of two terrestrial carnivores on the islands, the other being the island fox. It is designated as a species of special concern by the state of California.[3]
- ^ NatureServe (5 May 2023). "Spilogale gracilis amphiala". NatureServe Network Biodiversity Location Data accessed through NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, Virginia: NatureServe. Retrieved 25 May 2023.
- ^ "Spilogale gracilis amphialus Dickey, 1929". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 25 May 2023.
- ^ Collins, Paul W. "Channel Island Spotted Skunk, Spilogale putorius amphiala". California Department of Wildlife. Retrieved 30 October 2014.