White-nosed coati
Common name: White-nosed coati
Scientific name: Nasua narica
The white-nosed coati is a curious and intelligent member of the raccoon family, recognised by its long, flexible snout, distinctive white facial markings and ringed tail. Found across North and Central America, these agile mammals are equally at home on the ground and in the trees, using their sharp claws and keen sense of smell to search for food.
Coatis are highly adaptable and spend much of the day foraging for fruit, insects and small animals. Their long snouts can rotate in different directions, helping them investigate holes, leaf litter and fallen logs in search of hidden food. Their long tails act as a balancing pole when climbing and are often held upright, making it easier for group members to stay together in dense vegetation.
Unlike many carnivores, female, white-nosed coatis live in close-knit social groups with their young, while adult males tend to live alone outside of the breeding season. Their inquisitive personalities and playful behaviour make them fascinating animals to watch.
Fast Facts
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Status
Least Concern
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Size
Head and body: 41–67cm
Tail: 32–69cm
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Weight
3-6kg
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Gestation
Around 11 weeks
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Number of young
Typically 3-5 pups
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Lifespan
Up to 14 years
In the wild
White-nosed coatis are found from the south-western United States through Mexico and Central America to north-western Colombia. They live in a wide variety of habitats, including tropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, dry forests and mountainous areas, from sea level to elevations of around 3,500 metres. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in many different environments, provided there is enough food and suitable places to shelter.
White-nosed coatis are opportunistic omnivores with a varied diet. They feed on fruits, insects and other invertebrates, as well as small mammals, birds, eggs, reptiles and amphibians. Using their long, flexible snouts and powerful claws, they dig through soil and leaf litter or search amongst rocks and tree branches to uncover hidden prey.
Female coatis live in social groups, known as bands, which can contain up to 30 individuals, including adult females and their young. Adult males usually live alone and only join the groups during the breeding season. After a gestation of around 11 weeks, females leave the group to give birth in a nest built high in a tree before rejoining the band several weeks later with their pups. White-nosed coatis are active during the day, spending much of their time foraging on the ground before retreating to the trees to rest at night.
White-nosed coatis are hunted by predators including jaguars, pumas, ocelots, large birds of prey and large snakes. Their sharp claws, climbing ability and habit of living in groups help them avoid danger, while sleeping high in the trees provides additional protection.
Although the white-nosed coati is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, populations are declining in some parts of their range. The biggest threats include habitat loss through deforestation and land conversion, as well as persecution by farmers and landowners where coatis are seen as pests. Protecting forests and encouraging people and wildlife to coexist are important for the future of this adaptable species.
