SOUTH AMERICAN COATI
Nasua nasua
DESCRIPTION
South American Coati (Nasua nasua) is commonly known as Coati and Brazilian Coati. This medium-sized mammal has a long, flexible body, a pointed snout, and a long, ringed tail that it often holds upright. Coatis are social animals, typically found in groups, and are known for their curious and playful behavior, often seen foraging for food in trees and on the ground.
FUN FACTS
- Coatis have a unique social structure where females and their young form groups, while males tend to be solitary or join groups only during the breeding season
- They are also known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities, often using tools to access food
- | Coatis have a highly developed sense of smell, which they use to locate food, and they are known to be quite vocal, making a variety of sounds to communicate with each other
QUICK INFO
Lifespan7-10 years in the wild, up to 15 years in captivit
Average Weight5-10 kg
Average Length60-70 cm
Diet TypeOmnivore
Social Structuregroup — Coatis are typically found in groups of 10-30 individuals, often consisting of females and their young.
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring (September-November)
- Habitat
- Coatis inhabit a range of environments, including tropical rainforests, deciduous forests, and scrublands. They prefer areas with dense vegetation for shelter and foraging.
- Biomes
- Tropical Rainforest, Deciduous Forest, Scrubland
- Native Range
- The native range of the South American Coati includes parts of South America, particularly in countries like Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia.
- Continent
- South America
- Countries
- Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia
- Diet
- Coatis are omnivorous and have a varied diet that includes fruits, insects, small vertebrates, and eggs. They are known to use their long snouts to dig for food in the ground.
- Diet Type
- Omnivore
- Favorite Food
- fruits, insects, small vertebrates
- Social Structure
- group — Coatis are typically found in groups of 10-30 individuals, often consisting of females and their young.
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 10-30
- Territorial
- 0
NT
VU
LC
5-10 kg
Weight
60-70 cm
Length
- Coloration
- Coatis have a brownish coat with lighter underparts and distinctive facial markings.
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Males are generally larger than females.
- Lifespan
- 7-10 years in the wild, up to 15 years in captivit
- Gestation Period
- 77-84 days
- Offspring per Birth
- 2-7
- Sexual Maturity
- 1-2 years
- Breeding Season
- Spring (September-November)
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population of South American Coatis is currently stable, but they face habitat loss in some areas.
- Wild Population Estimate
- Unknown
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction due to deforestation and hunting in some regions. They are also affected by road traffic and human encroachment.
- Predators
- Jaguars, pumas, large birds of prey, and snakes.
- Defense Mechanisms
- Coatis can defend themselves by climbing trees or using their sharp claws and teeth if threatened.
- Found in Zoos
- Common