Main Characteristics

South American Coatis have a body length between 41 and 70 cms (16 - 28 inches), a tail length between 32 and 70 cms (12.5 - 28 inches) and they weigh between 2.5 and 7 kgs (5.5 - 15 lbs).

They are red/brown, grey/brown or yellow/brown in colour and they have a pale coloured underside and black feet. Their long tail is marked with black rings and they have black and grey markings on their face.

Habitat

South American Coatis can be found in the forests and woodlands of South America.

Diet

South American Coatis feed on invertebrates, lizards, frogs, fruit and eggs.

Breeding

After a gestation period of 77 days, South American Coatis give birth to 3 - 4 young. They are weaned at 4 months old and reach sexual maturity at around 2 years of age.

Predators

Predators of South American Coatis are snakes, large cats and humans.

Subspecies

There are 13 subspecies of the South American Coati:

Nasua nasua nasua
Nasua nasua aricana
Nasua nasua boliviensis
Nasua nasua candace
Nasua nasua cinerascens
Nasua nasua dorsalis
Nasua nasua manium
Nasua nasua molaris
Nasua nasua montana
Nasua nasua quichua
Nasua nasua solitaria
Nasua nasua spadicea
Nasua nasua vittata

Interesting Facts

South American Coatis are also known as:
Southern Ring-Tailed Coati
Ring-Tailed Coati
Ringtailed Coati
Coati
Coatimundi

Similar Animals

Ringtail
Red Panda
Cacomistle
Common Raccoon
Crab-Eating Raccoon
Mountain Coati
White-Nosed Coati