The white-nosed coati population in the United States is suspected to be losing genetic contact with populations further south, potentially leading to extirpation in the United States.
The white-nosed coati's coat color and muzzle markings are the only physical characteristics dissimilar from its relatives the South American and Western mountain coatis.
The white-nosed coati is locally threatened as a result of ongoing large-scale habitat loss and legal hunting and is hunted by several predators including cats, boas, and large predatory birds.
Although the white-nosed coati is classified as "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List, it is considered and endangered species in New Mexico and is given total legal protection there.
Although the white-nosed coati searches for food both on the ground and in the forest canopy, frequently climbing to obtain fruits, it is more typically seen on the ground and is...
Adult male white-nosed coatis are sometimes active at night, but coatis are primarily diurnal and spend the day foraging on the ground before sheltering in the treetops at night.
In February or March, the most dominant male white-nosed coati will breed with each member of the band in a tree and is driven away afterward due to his juvenile-killing behavior.
White-nosed coatis are omnivores that primarily eat insects, but will feast on beetles, spiders, scorpions, ants, termites, grubs, centipedes, crabs, fruit, mice, lizards, and frogs.
Adult male white-nosed coatis live territorial, solitary lives and establish non-overlapping ranges that they mark by spraying urine or dragging their abdomens on a surface and spreading anal secretions.
White-nosed coatis are highly adaptable, but basically inhabit subtropical/tropical dry high-altitude forests and grasslands, as well as moist lowland forests.
The white-nosed coati is native to North and South America and ranges from southeastern Arizona through Mexico and Central America and into western Colombia and Ecuador.
The white-nosed coati is also known as the "coatimundi", originating from Tupian Indian and translating to "belt nose", referring to the way it tucks its nose under its belly as it...