Ring-tailed Coati Nasua nasua

The Ring-tailed Coati, also called South American Coati, is native to forests of South America. Coatis are related to the Raccoon.

Coat colour varies from greyish brown to sandy brown. The long tail has light and dark rings; clarity of the rings varies. Its cousins, the White-nosed and Mountain Coatis live in Central and South America.

Active by day and night, they have sharp claws for digging and sharp teeth. They eat fruit, insects and reptiles.

They live in small family groups of some 6-20 females and young. Males are larger than females and are solitary except for breeding.