Coati

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Coatis
White-nosed Coati Nasua narica
White-nosed Coati Nasua narica
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Procyonidae
Genus: Nasua
Species

Nasua nasua
Nasua narica
Nasua nelsoni
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The name coati (pronounced /koʊˈɑːti/) is applied to any of three species of small neotropical mammals in the genus Nasua, family Procyonidae, ranging from southern Arizona to north of Argentina. They are largely insectivorous, but also eat fruit. A fourth animal, the dwarf Mountain Coati, is not a true coati, and belongs to the genus Nasuella. Genetic studies have shown that the closest relatives of the coatis are the olingos.[1]

Distinctive features of all species of coati include a long, ringed tail, which is often held erect.

Unlike most members of the raccoon family, coatis are primarily diurnal.

Contents

[edit] Physical characteristics

Coati have long, pointed muzzles, and long, bushy, ringed tails, and brownish fur. They range in size from 13 to 27 inches (330 mm to 690 mm) including their tails, which can be just as long as their bodies. They weigh from 7 to 15 pounds (3 kg to 7 kg). Males are larger than females.

[edit] Groups

The females live in groups of 4 to 24 individuals called bands. Males join bands only during the mating season.

[edit] Lifespan

Coati have been known to live for 14 years in captivity.

[edit] Habitat

In the wild, coatimundi live in tropical rainforests, grasslands, and brushy areas of South America, Central America and southern North America, and are often seen in Costa Rica. They are excellent tree climbers. In fact, they can reverse their ankles - turn them around - so that they can climb down trees headfirst.

[edit] Daily life

Coatimundi are diurnal and spend most of the day foraging for food. They are omnivores which eat small prey such as lizards, insects, rodents, snails and small birds, as well as fruit and nuts. Coati's are also one of the few species of animals which are capable of consuming large tarantulas although they are not immune to its bite nor the urticating hairs of the tarantula. They often eat while hanging upside down from a tree branch. A coati finds food using its keen sense of smell.

[edit] Species

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[edit] References

  1. ^ K.-P. Koepfli, M. E. Gompper, E. Eizirik, C.-C. Ho, L. Linden, J. E. Maldonado, R. K. Wayne (2007). "Phylogeny of the Procyonidae (Mammalia: Carvnivora): Molecules, morphology and the Great American Interchange". Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 43: 1076-1095. doi:10.1016/j.ympev.2006.10.003. 

[edit] Gallery

Unknown Coati at Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica

Unknown Coati at Tikal, Guatemala

Ring-tailed Coati Nasua nasua in an English zoo

White-nosed Coati in Rincón de la Vieja National Park, Costa Rica

Coati near Iguazu Falls, Brazil

Coatis foraging in trash near Christ the Redeemer (statue), Brazil

White-nosed Coati on Mt. Hopkins near Madera Canyon, Arizona