A unique and lesser-known species of raccoon found only on the island of Cozumel, off the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. This intriguing creature is one of the most critically endangered mammals in the world, primarily due to its limited range and the environmental threats it faces.

Physically, the Cozumel raccoon shares many characteristics with its better-known relative, the common raccoon, including the distinctive black “mask” around its eyes and the bushy, ringed tail. However, the Cozumel raccoon is smaller and has a more slender build, adaptations that may relate to the limited resources available in its island habitat. Its fur is generally grayish, though somewhat paler and less dense than that of mainland raccoons.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Cozumel raccoon is its specialized diet, which is heavily reliant on the coastal and mangrove ecosystems of the small island. Unlike its mainland counterparts, which often have a very diverse diet, the Cozumel raccoon primarily feeds on crabs and other marine invertebrates. This diet reflects the raccoon’s adaptation to its island environment, where these food sources are more abundant than the terrestrial prey available in more extensive raccoon habitats.

The behavior of the Cozumel raccoon also differs slightly from that of other raccoons. Although still nocturnal and solitary in nature, the Cozumel raccoon has exhibited less fear of humans, likely due to the limited size of its habitat and the smaller, less diverse population of predators on the island. However, this reduced fear also makes the Cozumel raccoon more vulnerable to human-related threats, including road accidents and the impact of human development on its natural habitat.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Mexico

250–300

Official estimate

CR

2016