Coati – The Lesser-Known Ring-Tailed Wanderers

The Coati, is a fascinating member of the animal kingdom, that often goes unnoticed amidst the vast biodiversity of the Americas. Scientifically classified under the genera Nasua and Nasuella, these animals are not just another raccoon, even though they share a family – Procyonidae.

With four distinct species, coatis have carved out their own niche in the ecosystems they inhabit. With populations reaching from the Southwestern United States, down as far as Argentina in South America. They are incredible little climbers with some very fascinating features.

Species in the genus Nasua are well known and documented, but those in the genus Nasuella are considered to be amongst the least studied meat eaters in the world.

Appearance & Characteristics of Coati

Coatis have a distinct charm, curious to observe for any nature lover. With a body structure like a blend between a small dog and a raccoon, their physical features are quite unique. Across the species in the genus Nasua, they typically weigh between 4.4 to 17.6 pounds (2 – 8kg) and range between 45 – 60 cm (18 to 24 inches) in size. This doesn’t include their long, ringed tail, which can be just as long as their body, and overall size does vary by species.

White-Nosed Coati can reach around 110 cm (43 inches) nose to tail, and the South American Coati will range between 85 – 113 cm (33 – 44 inches) nose to tail.

The Mountain Coati species within the genus Nasuella are much smaller, generally weighing between 2.2 – 3.3 pounds (1.0 – 1.5kg) with a much smaller head and body length around 36 – 39 cm (14.2 – 15.4 inches). Their tail can be anywhere between half to two thirds of their overall size 20 – 24 cm (7.9 – 9.5 inches). This gives them an overall size between 56 – 63 cm (22.1 – 24.9 inches) just over half that of the larger Nasua species.

Their fur colour and markings are different for each species. From a vibrant mix of brown, red, and yellow, to gentler dark or pale shades. Some contrast beautifully with their ringed tails or with the White-nosed, the black mask and white facial markings.

Their incredibly long tails are non-prehensile, but they are not just for show. They work in tandem with their incredibly manoeuvrable ankles to provide great climbing agility. These play a crucial role in maintaining their balance, and their ability to descend a tree head first very quickly.

Across all species, Coati have a distinctly slender head with an elongated and slightly upturned nose, with an almost swine-like snout. They also tend to have dark feet (mountain coati have the darkest) and small ears.

White-Nosed Coati (Nasua narica)

Physical Appearance & Attributes: The white-nosed coati is characterized by its brown fur with a mix of red and yellow on top. It has a distinct black mask and white markings around its eyes, nose, and the insides of its ears. Its tail is long, thin, and ringed, which it often holds upright when walking. This species is the most raccoon-like of all the species.

Distinctive Features: The ‘white-nosed’ descriptor comes from the white markings around its snout. It’s the most commonly known coati species and is often seen in groups or ‘bands’ in Central America, and across the Southern United States.

South American Coati (Nasua nasua)

Physical Appearance & Attributes: Very similar in appearance and size to the white-nosed coati, the South American coati has a slightly different coloration, with regional variations in its fur tones. Its tail is also ringed and is used for balance.

Distinctive Features: While physically similar to the white-nosed coati, its habitat and range make it distinct. It’s more commonly found in the rainforests of South America, particularly the lowland forests to the East of the Andes mountain range. They have more noticeable rings in their tail than the White-nosed variety.

Eastern Mountain Coati (Nasuella meridensis)

Physical Appearance & Attributes: Similar in size to the Western Mountain Coati, this species also sports earthy-toned fur with subtle markings. They are usually smaller in frame and weight, and have a smaller tail than the Western Mountain Coati. They also have smaller teeth.

Distinctive Features: Like the Western Mountain Coati, its smaller size and high-altitude habitat make it unique. They tend to have lighter coats in paler colours than the Western variety, and usually have a dark mid-dorsal stripe along the back which helps to distinguish the species.

Western Mountain Coati (Nasuella olivacea)

Physical Appearance & Attributes: This species is smaller than the members of the Nasua genus. Its range in the Andes of Colombia and Ecuador differentiates it from its eastern counterpart. Its fur has more earthy tones, which might be an adaptation to its mountainous habitat. Their tails have very distinct black or olive brown rings which help to identify the species.

Distinctive Features: Its smaller size and the mountainous habitat it prefers set it apart from the other coati species. Their coat is usually more distinct, either darker or lighter in variations of black, brown and grey. Unlike the Eastern Mountain Coati, they don’t have a dark mid-dorsal stripe along the back.

Distribution – Location and Habitat

The coati’s adaptability is evident in its wide range of habitats. From the scorching heat of arid regions in the northern part of their North American range, to the dense humidity of rainforests in South America. Even in the chilly heights of the Andean mountains, coatis have made themselves at home.

Their geographical distribution is vast, stretching from the New Mexico and Arizona in the USA, all the way to northern Uruguay. The white-nosed coati, for instance, has a particular fondness for mountain forests and woody canyons. The South American Coati is only found in the lowland rainforests in South America, and both the Easter and Western Mountain Coati, have very small, mountainous habitas in different ranges of the Andean range.

Here’s a little more detail for each species specifically:

• White Tailed Coati – Its range extends from the southwestern U.S. through Central America and down to Colombia.
• South American Coati – Found predominantly in South America, its range extends from Colombia down to northern Argentina.
• Eastern Mountain Coati – Found primarily in the Andean regions of Venezuela.
• Western Mountain Coati – Its range is restricted to the Andean regions of Colombia and Ecuador.

The Lifestyle & Behaviour of Coati

Coatis lead a dynamic life. While they might be seen foraging on the ground during the day, they’re equally adept at climbing trees, often choosing to sleep high above the ground at night. They are typically diurnal animals, choosing to be most active through the day and restful at night.

Male coatis prefer a solitary life, but females and their young have a different approach. They move in groups known as bands, which can range from a small group of 4 to a large gathering of 40. These bands are not just for protection; they’re social units where grooming and interaction are common.

Diet & Nutrition of Coati

Coati have a wide, omnivorous diet and like their raccoon cousins, they hare happy to munch on a variety of different foods. Their long snouts, equipped with a keen sense of smell, and sharp claws are perfect tools for foraging. They dig up insects, hunt small vertebrates, and aren’t averse to a fruit or two. Their love for the prickly pear fruit is well-documented, and they are known to visit the same tree repeatedly until every last fruit is eaten.

White Tailed Coati – Omnivorous in nature, it primarily feeds on insects like beetles, grubs, ants, termites, spiders, and scorpions. It also consumes lizards, snakes, rodents, and fruits, with a particular fondness for the prickly pear fruit. They are opportunistic around nests with unguarded eggs, and also carrion.

South American Coati – Like its white-nosed cousin, it’s omnivorous, feeding on a mix of insects, small vertebrates, and fruits. They also have a fondness for bird eggs when the opportunity arises.

Eastern And Western Mountain Coati – The diet of the Nasuella species is not as well-documented as the other species, but what we do know is that these high altitude mountain dwellers are likely to eat a mix of any insects and small vertebrates native to their range. They are considered to be carnivorous but very little is known about their diet.

Predators & Threats to Coati

Across their range, Coati face threats from various predators. Jaguars, ocelots, and harpy eagles are natural predators, as are maned wolves and some snakes including anacondas and boa constrictors.

Humans pose a significant threat too, both as hunters and as agents of habitat destruction. In Central and South America particularly, habitat destruction for human expansion and illegal poaching are a real threat to the Coati.

Coati Reproduction

The mating season for coatis typically aligns with the start of the rainy season. This varies depending on the region but generally falls between January and March. During this period, male coatis, which are usually solitary, will join female bands. The male will display various behaviors to ward off competing males, such as baring his teeth, rearing up on his hind legs, and turning up the end of his snout.

Once a male has successfully mated with a female, the other females in the band will force him to leave the group. This ensures that the male doesn’t pose a threat to the new-borns, as adult males can sometimes be aggressive towards young coatis.

After mating, the female undergoes a gestation period of approximately 10 to 11 weeks (around 77 days). As the time to give birth approaches, the pregnant female will leave her band to find a safe and secluded spot. This is typically a nest made in the crevice of a tree or a similar sheltered location.

The female gives birth to a litter that usually consists of 2 to 6 young, though larger litters of up to 7 have been reported. The newborn coatis, similarly to baby raccoons are altricial, meaning they are born blind, deaf, and highly dependent on their mother.

At around four weeks old, the babies start venturing out of the nest, exploring their surroundings and beginning to sample solid food.

Lifespan of Coati

When the young coatis are about 5 to 6 weeks old, the mother and her offspring rejoin the female band. This group setting provides the young with a safer environment, protection from predators, and social interactions that are crucial for their development.

The young coatis are weaned when they are about four months old. However, they continue to stay with their mother and the band for an extended period, often until the mother is ready to give birth to her next litter.

Female coatis reach sexual maturity at around 2 years of age, while males mature a bit later, around 3 years of age. Once mature, males leave the band and lead a mostly solitary life until the next mating season.

While the wilderness poses many challenges, coatis have been known to live up to seven years in the wild. In controlled environments, like zoos, their lifespan can stretch to about 14 years.

Population and Conservation

Coatis, like many wildlife species, face the brunt of human expansion. Deforestation and hunting are significant threats. While both Nasua species – the White-Nosed and South American Coati are classed as ‘least concern’ by the IUCN, in some areas like New Mexico, they are considered to be locally endangered. They are often kept as pets in some areas around the Americas, but they need very specific care and preparation to be suitable in that role.

While both Nasuella species are considered to be deficient in adequate data, the IUCN lists the Eastern Mountain Coati as Endangered and the Western Mountain Coati as Near Threatened. This is based on the most recent classification for each, which was last assessed in 2015.

5 Fun Coati Facts for Kids

• Coatis have a tail almost as long as their body!
• They’re amazing climbers, and they love to swim too.
• Coatis love the prickly pear fruit and are known to visit the same tree until it’s empty.
• Baby coatis are playful little furballs, and love to wrestle.
• Their ankles can twist in ways you wouldn’t believe – beyond 180°, allowing them to descend trees head-first.