South American coati

« A small foraging mammal in the raccoon family »

A curious little mammal

An especially energetic animal that spends its days rummaging about.

The coati is a small foraging mammal that, like raccoons, is part of the Procyonidae family. It is a particularly active and curious species, spending its days turning over soil, stones, and leaves in search of food. The coati is omnivorous but enjoys fruit and invertebrates most of all. Its presence has a positive impact on the surrounding environment, as it regulates pest populations and aerates the soil. This species lives in the tropical and temperate forests of South America.

The Beauval Nature association

The coati is hunted for its meat by local populations but is currently classified as “Least Concern” on the IUCN red list of threatened species. It is also a victim of deforestation which reduces its potential habitat.

For the past 10 years, the Beauval Nature association has joined forces with field workers to support them in their primary mission of species conservation. Beauval works closely with numerous conservation and research programmes around the world to study and protect endangered species. This everyday action takes place in order to protect our biodiversity.

Get involved with Beauval Nature!

Baya

Baya is a very curious little coati female, who loves standing in between the legs of her trainers.

Along with the rest of the group, she will happily play with foam from the cleaning buckets, whilst the keepers clean the windows.

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Least concern

Parrainez Baya

Parrainez Baya

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Learn more about the species

Range

America

Diet

Omnivore
Gestation period

2½ months
Litter size

3 to 7 young
Habitat

Tropical forests

Lifestyle

Coati females live in groups of thirty or so individuals, as do young males; adult males, on the other hand, are somewhat solitary. Adult males are philopatric meaning that they tend to return to the place where they were born, whereas females will readily move away and disperse from their place of birth.

Reckless behaviour

Coatis are excellent climbers. Although their main activity (foraging) takes place on the ground, coatis also spend time up in the trees, as they sleep, mate, and give birth there. They like to jump from branch to branch. Coatis are also very good swimmers and are not afraid of water. Being naturally curious, they will readily approach human habitations and enter houses to steal food. They may also damage crops and vegetable gardens and will carry out raids on chicken coops without hesitation.

Seasonal reproduction

The breeding season is completely dependent on the availability of food, especially the abundance of fruit. Most births therefore take place between April and June.