The Coatimundi is also known as the White-nosed Coati. They are isdiurnal and live both on the ground and in the trees. They have a length of two feet plus a 24 inch tail. The Coatimundi weighs nine pounds. This member of the raccoon family is omnivorous, feeding on fruit, 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. One group will have 5 to 12 separate groups that move and sleep with the others. When surprised, the entire group 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.

The Coatimundi will breed when they reach maturity. Their mating is not seasonal and they hold their young for a maximum of 77 days. When they give birth, there will be as many babies as three and as many as five. They will live as long as seven years.

They 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 live all through Central America and are quite common in Belize. Locally in Belize, the Coati is known as "Quash".

 

Animals of Belize