Eastern Spotted Skunks Alter Nightly Activity and Movement in Response to Environmental Conditions

Abstract

Daily and seasonal fluctuations in environmental conditions can significantly impact the survivorship and reproductive success of animals by altering energetic costs and predation risks. Behaviorally, animals often respond to changes in their environment through regulation of activity and associated movement patterns. We used accelerometer-informed GPS telemetry to assess nightly activity and movement patterns in response to environmental conditions in a small endotherm, the eastern spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius). Nightly movements and activity of skunks were monitored in association with ambient temperature, precipitation, and moon illumination during late winter through summer in Alabama. Eastern spotted skunks were strictly nocturnal, exhibiting almost no daytime activity. Total time active and total distance moved each night increased with ambient temperature and rainfall. Variation in moon illumination, which may affect predation risk, did not impact skunk nightly activity or movement. Eastern spotted skunks likely reduce predation risk by being active between sunset and sunrise when they are less visible to predators. Lower activity and movement at cooler temperatures significantly reduces thermoregulatory costs for small endotherms. Increased activity of skunks during or shortly after precipitation may be driven by increased prey availability. Our findings indicate that small endotherms, like the eastern spotted skunk, rely extensively on behavioral thermoregulation, instead of physiological adaptation, to buffer themselves against changing environmental conditions. Behavioral flexibility may promote species persistence as climate changes, and should be considered in conservation strategies of vulnerable species, such as eastern spotted skunks.