Conepatus Mydaus Mephitis Spilogale †Brachyprotoma †Palaeomephitis †Promephitis Mephitidae is a family of mammals comprising the skunks and stink badgers.

They are noted for the great development of their anal scent glands, which they use to deter predators.

[1] Similarly, the stink badgers had been classified with badgers, but genetic evidence shows they share a more recent common ancestor with skunks, so they are now included in the skunk family.

A 2017 study using retroposon markers indicated that they are most closely related to the Ailuridae (red pandas and allies) and Procyonidae (raccoons and allies)[citation needed].

The two stink badgers in the genus Mydaus inhabit Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia and the Philippines; the other members of the family inhabit the Americas, ranging from Canada to central South America.