It’s National Invasive Species Awareness Week and we’re putting the Coati or Coatimundi (pronounced COH-ARR-TEE) in the spotlight.
In the bustling wilderness of Mexico, South and Central America, there exists a pretty cool creature, belonging to the Racoon family (Procyonidae).
The name 'Coati' stems from indigenous American Indian language meaning 'belt' and 'nose', referencing how they tuck their noses into their bellies while sleeping.
Its scientific name, Nasua, comes from the Latin for 'nose', highlighting their long snouts that help them source food.
Scientific fact: Their noses are not only functional but also adorable, adding to their charming appearance.
🎶 Hungry like the Coatimundi
Coatis, the ultimate opportunistic eaters, have a knack for turning any snack into an all-you-can-eat buffet. Unlike their nocturnal racoon relatives, they prefer to hunt during the day time as diurnal foragers. With a taste for the finer things, they've been known to crash ecosystems like uninvited party guests, munching through the local menu and leaving chaos in their wake.
Renowned for their omnivorous appetites, they seize upon a wide array of food sources, from rodents to fruits to eggs, making the most of whatever delicacies come their way. This adaptability and resourcefulness are key to their survival in diverse habitats across the Americas.
Coatis also thrive socially, and live in groups called bands, which usually consist of females and their young. They're often seen foraging, playing, and grooming together, showcasing strong bonds within their community.
Unfortunately, their craving for variety often lands them into tricky spots, often ‘nosing their way into trouble - including being marked as an ‘invasive species’.
National Invasive Species Awareness Week 2024
Imagine an invasive species as someone unintentionally inviting one too many plus-ones to a party - that ‘someone’ being humans. Ultimately, we think the Coati is cool because of its unique skill set and ability to thrive, however - it’s important to note that invasive species are a consequence of human actions and seen to be one of the top major threats to ecosystems today.
Humans have become an invasive species, encroaching on animal habitats globally. Population growth drives expansion into new territories, converting natural land into cities with homes, offices, and malls.
The Coatimundi found its way into Europe initially via the pet trade. Essentially we saw Coatis, thought they were cute and wanted to domesticate. Over time, they have managed to make themselves at home in several crucial Natura 2000 sites on Majorca Island in Spain. Additionally, it has managed to thrive outside of captivity in regions like France and Germany, and have even been spotted in areas of Cumbria in the UK. It is thought that Coatis escaped domestic life or were even released into the wild.
Non-native creatures – whether plants, animals, or microorganisms – disrupt native species, ecosystems, and even human interests. They spread rapidly in their new environment, thriving without natural predators or competitors, causing chaos and imbalance.
Whilst we think that the Coati is cool as a species, hence why we’ve featured them on The Cool Animal Blog, it's a reminder that while Coatis are fascinating creatures, their introduction into new environments (mainly because of humans) should be approached with caution to mitigate potential ecological impacts.
So next time you find yourself in the wilds, keep an eye out for these furry bandits. Whether they're causing mischief in the trees or charming their way into your heart.
Thanks for taking the time to read The Cool Animal Blog - we hope you found this story enlightening and if you’d like to suggest an animal to add to the mix, get in touch via thecoolanimalblog@gmail.com! If you’d like to learn more about invasive species, visit the NISAW website. If you spot an Invasive Species - visit the Gov.UK website.
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