AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Nasua narica
White-nosed Coati
Linnaeus, 1766
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
The white-nosed coati is a medium-sized mammal belonging to the Procyonidae family. It features an elongated and slender body with short legs, a small head with a characteristic elongated and pointed snout of white or grayish coloration. The ears are small and rounded. The tail is long and robust, frequently held erect, with black and orange bands that vary in pattern between individuals. The fur is coarse and generally dark brown to grayish in color. Males are considerably larger than females. They are very active, curious, intelligent, and gregarious animals that live organized in matriarchal groups of 4 to 25 individuals.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Mammalia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Carnivora
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Procyonidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Nasua
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Linnaeus, 1766
Record Completeness
90%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Increasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
--
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Omnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
They inhabit tropical humid forests from sea level to 2,500 meters altitude. They prefer primary and secondary forests with closed canopy, although they adapt well to forest fragments and areas with dense secondary vegetation. They are found mainly in tropical humid forest life zones. They are primarily arboreal animals but frequently descend to the ground. They can occupy modified habitats such as forest edges, dense plantations, and parks with large trees.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Highly gregarious and social animals that live in groups of 4 to 25 individuals, usually led by dominant females. They are mainly diurnal, active in the early morning and at dusk. They spend most of their time in trees, but regularly descend to the ground to forage. They are excellent climbers and use their long tail to maintain balance. They build shelters in tree hollows or in complex branch structures. They are very vocal animals with a complex repertoire of sounds.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Highly social animals living in bands of 4 to 25 individuals led by adult females. There is a clear hierarchy with dominant and subordinate positions. Complex communication through vocalizations (grunts, clicks, whistles), body signals and chemical marking. Frequent social interaction including mutual grooming. Groups use a wide home range and regularly patrol to defend their territories.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Omnivorous with a predominantly frugivorous diet (85%) but opportunistic and flexible. They feed on fruits, insects, small vertebrates and occasionally honey. They forage mainly in the forest canopy but also on the ground.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
They are mainly frugivorous, feeding on more than 90 species of fruits, especially of the genera Ficus, Dendropanax and Cecropia. They supplement their diet with small vertebrates (lizards, small snakes, frogs), invertebrates (insects, spiders), bird eggs and occasionally vegetation. They are predators of small mammals and amphibians. They play an important role in seed dispersal in the tropical forest.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Reproduction mainly from July to November with peaks in August-September. Females give birth in arboreal shelters. Aggressive interactions between males are observed during breeding season. Males participate little in offspring care.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
41.0 - 69.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
3.60 kg - 6.30 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.2 - 6
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
1.5 - 2.5 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
60 - 75
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males7 - 17 Years
Females8 - 18 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are significantly larger than females (up to 40% heavier). Males have broader heads, more robust snouts and more prominent canines. Fur color can vary with males frequently darker.
Females Multi-lang
Females are smaller and slimmer than males. They have a more stylized head and a finer snout. During the breeding season, nipples are visible and swollen.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Not specified
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Not specified