Nasuella olivacea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nasuella olivacea |
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Nasuella
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olivacea
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The western mountain coati (Nasuella olivacea) is a small, furry animal. It is also called the western dwarf coati. This creature belongs to the raccoon family. You can find these coatis in cool, misty cloud forests and high grasslands called páramo. They live at very high places, from about 1,300 to 4,250 meters (4,250 to 13,940 feet) above sea level. Their home is in the Andes mountains of Colombia and Ecuador. Some have also been found far south in Peru. These might be western mountain coatis, or perhaps a new type of animal.
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About the Western Mountain Coati
The western mountain coati is a unique animal. It is known for its small size. These coatis are part of a group called Nasuella.
How Western Mountain Coatis Are Different
For a long time, the western mountain coati was thought to be the same as the eastern mountain coati. But scientists found they are actually different species. The eastern mountain coati is usually smaller. It also has a shorter tail and smaller teeth. Its fur is a lighter olive-brown color. It often has a dark stripe down its back.
In contrast, the western mountain coati often has more reddish or blackish fur. It usually does not have a dark stripe on its back. These differences helped scientists decide they were two separate species.
Protecting Western Mountain Coatis
When both types of mountain coatis were considered one species, scientists did not have enough information about them. They were listed as "Data Deficient" by the IUCN. This means there was not enough data to know if they were safe.
After they were split into two species, the western mountain coati was studied more. Now, it is considered "Near Threatened". This means it could become endangered in the future if we are not careful.
In 2020, new genetic studies were done. These studies looked at the DNA of the coatis. The American Society of Mammalogists now believes that N. meridensis is the same as N. olivacea. This means they are the same species.
Types of Western Mountain Coatis
There are two main types, or subspecies, of the western mountain coati. They are called N. o. olivacea and N. o. quitensis.
- N. o. olivacea is found in Colombia.
- N. o. quitensis is a bit smaller and darker. Its tail rings are also less clear. This subspecies lives in Ecuador.
Scientists are still working to find the exact line where these two types meet.
