A smaller yet equally fascinating relative of the more commonly known brown and white-nosed coatis. This diminutive creature boasts a coarse and thick fur coat that ranges in color from olive-brown to rust, providing camouflage within its mountainous habitat and protection from the elements. The tail, a defining characteristic of coatis, carries a yellowish-gray undercoat marked with black rings and is typically held upright when the animal is walking, serving as a curious and charming visual hallmark of this species.

Residing in the rugged terrains of the Western Andes, these coatis have adapted to a nocturnal lifestyle, a strategic choice that minimizes encounters with predators and competition for resources. The cover of night offers them a safer environment to carry out their foraging activities, allowing them to exploit a niche different from their diurnal relatives and other daytime fauna.

The Western Mountain Coati’s diet is a testament to its role as an integral component of its ecosystem. Equipped with powerful noses, these animals are adept at sniffing out a variety of prey hidden beneath the forest floor, including grubs, termites, beetles, and land crabs. This not only provides them with essential nutrients but also contributes to the aeration of the soil, highlighting their ecological significance beyond mere predation. This natural tilling of the earth facilitates nutrient recycling and promotes healthier plant growth, showcasing the interconnectedness of biological communities. Additionally, their diet occasionally expands to include lizards, mice, and frogs, underscoring their adaptability and opportunistic feeding habits.

Despite their size, Western Mountain Coatis are formidable foragers, using their sharp claws and keen sense of smell to unearth hidden food sources. Their predation behavior plays a pivotal role in controlling the populations of various invertebrates and small vertebrates, maintaining the delicate balance within their mountainous ecosystems.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Colombia

2015

Ecuador

2015

Peru

2015

Presence Uncertain