Guadeloupe Raccoon
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Guadeloupe Raccoon | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
||||||||||||||
| Conservation status | ||||||||||||||
| Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
| Binomial name | ||||||||||||||
| Procyon minor Miller, 1911 |
The Guadeloupe Raccoon (Procyon minor) is an endangered species of raccoon which is found only in the French overseas department of Guadeloupe in the Lesser Antilles. Although some scientists disagree, P. minor is considered to be conspecific with P. lotor, the northern raccoon of North America. Some argue that the species were considered different due to their geographic locations, however other scientists disagree stating that it is a matter of the biology and anatomy of these creatures. P. minor is endangered and prominent on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) list.
[edit] Ecology
The Guadeloupe raccoon is considered a terrestrial species and mostly found in the tropical dry areas of Guadeloupe. Its lifespan is estimated to be about 10 to 13 years. After about a year it reaches adulthood. As an adult it may weigh from 12 to 30 pounds, living on a diet of fruit, vegetables, meat, and eggs. Its breeding season is thought to occur from January to March.
[edit] Conservation
The Guadeloupe raccoon has been categorized as endangered and put on the IUCN list. To date, conservation efforts have been limited. Instead, discussion continues to circulate the issue of whether they are conspecific with P. lotor. Degradation, hunting, and competition with other species have contributed to the raccoon's population loss.
[edit] External links
