Ovulation in the Spotted Skunk (Spilogale putorius latifrons)

Forty descented, female western spotted skunks (Spilogale putorius latifrons) were physically and visually isolated from males. Reproductive tracts were collected in September through April, serially sectioned and examined for the presence of corpora lutea (CL) vera, corpora lutea atretica, corpora albicantia, Graafian follicles, and ova in the oviduct or uterus. Vaginal condition was diagnosed and compared with ovarian condition. Of the females, 52% had ova in the oviduct or uterus and/or CL vera in their ovaries. Sixteen of the 19 remaining skunks were categorized as either (1) nearing ovulation, (2) exhibiting reasonable evidence that ovulation had occurred in isolation, or (3) sampled during months when receptivity would not be expected. The remaining three animals were anestrus and had not ovulated. An additional three skunks failed to ovulate in response to artificial stimulation of the cervix or physical exposure to a male. It was concluded that S. p. latifrons is a polyestrus, spontaneous ovulator, with estrous cycles occurring in September through January.