Coatimundi

Description:

I saw the Coatimundi (also called Coati) over Christmas Break 2011 in the Belize zoo. The Coatimundi can measure 33 to 69 cm (13 to 27 in) and weigh between 2 and 8 kg (4.4 and 18 lb). Males can become twice the size of females. Coatis have a light brown to black coat with a lighter stomach. Coatimundis are in the raccoon family which can both be found in Mexico, among other locations. Raccoons have very distinct facial masks, and extremely rotatable front paws. The Coatimundi is not know to have many symbiotic relationships, however a number of rainforest birds are known to follow the Coatimundi as it searches for its food to find its own food. This symbiotic relationship can be classified as commensalism since the Birds benefit, and the Coatimundi neither benefits or is harmed. Coatimundis can survive in grassland areas with tall grass because of their long tails, which are used for balance and keeping "troops" together. Coatimundis also have double jointed front paws with sharp claws so they can decend head first from a tree. Coatimundis reproduce sexually to 3-11 kits after 11 weeks gestation around January to March.

Habitat:

The Coatimundi range extends from hot, grassy areas such as Columbia, Mexico and Arizona through rainforests and mountainous areas including Argentina. Their diet consists mainly of fruit and small rodents, lizards and eggs foraged with their long, sharp claws. Their main predators are jaguar, foxes, ocelot, eagles, and even certain monkeys target the babies. They interact in large "troops" from four to twenty five members where males only join during breeding season. They defend each other from predators with their claws and sharp teeth. They can make small chirping or grunting noises to communicate.