Habitat use, social structure and basic ethological aspects of a band of coatis (Nasua nasua Linnaeus, 1766) (Carnivora: Procyonidae) in Atlantic Forest area, São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

Coatis (Nasua nasua) are terrestrials, despite their extreme ease of climbing trees, and have a complex social structure, where the males are solitary outside the reproductive season and the females live in groups with their pups and juveniles for most of the year. This study aimed to describe the use of habitat and social structure of a coati group in the Cantareira State Park, a fragment of the Atlantic Forest located in the metropolitan area of São Paulo. The behavior of these animals was observed in the fragment twice per week. The results showed that it was similar to that described in the literature, with a preference for the ground habitat rather than trees, the fact that the males are solitary (except at the time of reproduction), and the gregarious habit of females and their pups and juveniles.