^Click on photo for larger image^ Coatimundi Nasua narica

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The Coatimundi, also known as the White-nosed Coati, is diurnal, living both on the ground and in the trees. This member of the racoon family is omnivorous, feeding on fruits, invertebrates, and other small animals. They feed by using their long noses, poking them under rocks and and into crevices, and using their long claws to dig holes or tear apart rotting logs.

The coati often is seen in large groups of up to 30 individuals. When surprised, the entiregroup will leap into the trees while emitting clicking and explosive "woofs" type of sounds. During the night, coatis sleep in the tree tops in nest of leaves and branches. Coatimundis are found throughout Belize, from the mangrove forests of the coasts, the savannas of the lowlands, the the dense tropical forest of the interior. They range all through Central America and are quite common in Belize. Locally in Belize, the coati is known as "quash".

KEY FACTS SIZE Length: 2 feet + 24" tail Weight: 9 lbs. BREEDING Reach Maturity: ? Mating: Non-seasonal Gestation: 77 days No. of Young: 3-5 young LIFESTYLE Habitat: Wide-ranging: groups of 5-12. Food: fruit, insects, small animals Lifespan: 7 years