Coatimundi

Coatimundi
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Carnivora Family: Procyonidae Genus: Nasua Species: nasua
Binomial name
Nasua nasua

The coatimundi, or "ring-tailed coati", Nasua nasua, is the best-known of the four species of coati.

They are native to the forests of Mexico and Central America, and extended their range into Texas around 1900, probably as a result of the extinction of most large predators in the area. Their range now extends to Argentina in the south, and southern California in the north.

Coatimundis range in body length from 13-27 inches (33-69 cm), including the head; the ringed tail, which is generally held upright, is as long as the body. The adults weigh between 15 and 25 pounds (6.8-11.3 kg).

Coatimundis reach maturity at 2 years of age, and the lifespan in captivity is around 14 years. They have 2-6 young at a time, after a gestation period of two and a half months.

The females live in social groups containing between four and thirty members. Adult males are solitary, except for mating.

Like all coatis, they are primarily insectivorous, but they also eat fruit, small mammals, and eggs.