Days ago we reported that as industrialization progresses through the countryside of São Paulo State, particularly in the region of Sorocaba, it affects the fauna found in the forests that are gone and the few that remain become a refuge for survival of many species, but are unable to sustain them. The hedgehogs that began invading the sanctuary recently are only a manifestation and now we have skunks (Didelphis sp), which also reproduce and invade houses in big condominium because they still have some reserves of natural forests.

The invasion of skunks is a bit more complicated, since they come into the dormitories of the chimpanzees and even make their nests, from where they try to get food, the one chimps have available every day.

In older venues, the internal construction is rough and old, and the blocks are visible in some parts of the sight. Small skunks find in some holes in these blocks their refuge . One was near the opening of a gate closed with padlock and when a keeper was opening it , his finger was bitten lightly .

We have had found puppies of skunks in several parts and traipsing awkwardly as it is typical in these species. We captured them and took them into the woods.

The next day, when I arrived before everyone else to put the tray of food for the chimpanzees July and Caco, I  found July waiting at the door and gesticulating. This was a rare situation, since July used to be still sleeping at this hour. Shortly after I realized what was happening, since the handler had warned me through an SMS about where the little skunks were, so I could be careful when touching the lock. But July came forward and stood waiting to warn me of danger. I arrived with a broom to dislodge those invaders of their refuge, but I realized that July and Caco had already “solved the problem” and several of them were killed in their dorm.

The invasion of skunks is one more chapter of the criminal deforestation that our forests suffer. It is also a warning that this way we are not only annihilating innocent animals, but also annihilating our own future.

Dr. Pedro A. Ynterian

President, GAP Project International

Images of the baby skunks: