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.ApprovedCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Procyon cancrivorus
Crab-eating Raccoon
G. Cuvier, 1798
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Robust body with the characteristic black mask, legs longer and less hairy than its North American relative, adapted for walking on muddy terrain.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Julia Trouin
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.Procyon
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.G. Cuvier, 1798
Record Completeness
96%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.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
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
Prefers aquatic environments such as mangroves, riverbanks, streams, and swampy areas in tropical lowlands.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Specialized omnivore: consumes crabs, snails, amphibians, fish, fruits, and plant remains.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Generally solitary, except during the breeding season.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Mainly nocturnal and active near the water.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Key predator in mangrove ecosystems.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Monogamous or polygynous, with one annual litter.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
60.0 - 80.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
5.00 kg - 10.00 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 - 5
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 - 2 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
60 - 70
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males8 - 12 Years
Females8 - 12 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are slightly heavier and larger.
Females Multi-lang
Slight physical differences.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Very skillful and touch-sensitive fingers, ideal for extracting prey from shells or capturing organisms underwater.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Destruction of mangroves and wetlands, contamination by heavy metals in its prey, and roadkill.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Although it is an excellent swimmer, its name 'crab-eating' comes from its diet specialized in crustaceans, which it opens with great skill.