Procyonidae
Author
Don E. Wilson
Author
Russell A. Mittermeier
text
2009
2009-01-31
Lynx Edicions
Barcelona
Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 1 Carnivores
504
530
book chapter
3403
10.5281/zenodo.5714404
56064f39-aaf8-4e51-a9f1-e9bb93556b78
978-84-96553-49-1
5714404
12.
Cozumel Raccoon
Procyon pygmaeus
French:
Raton de Cozumel
/
German:
Cozumel-Waschbar
/
Spanish:
Mapache de Cozumel
Taxonomy.
Procyon pygmaeus Merriam, 1901
,
Cozumel Island,
Mexico
.
Recent genetic evidence suggests that
P. pygmaeus
is a relatively recent addition to Cozumel, in the last 50,000 years, but was likely present well before Mayans populated this region. It has always been considered a unique species because of its smaller size. Monotypic.
Distribution.
Known only from
Mexico
(Cozumel I).
Descriptive notes.
Head-body 35-43 cm, tail 22-25 cm; weight averages 3-7 kg (males), 3-3 kg (females). Cozumel Raccoons lookjust like Northern Raccoons, but are smaller. Compared with nearby raccoons from the
Yucatan
area, Cozumel Raccoons are 15% smaller.
Habitat.
Use the mangrove and coastal wetlands on Cozumel Island.
Food and Feeding.
Both isotopic data and scat analyses suggest an omnivorous diet, with crabs being the most important (more than 50%) item followed by fruits and insects. Raccoonsliving near humans are approximately 0-5 kg heavier, suggesting that they may be using anthropogenic foods.
Activity patterns.
No details on Cozumel Raccoon activity have been reported.
Movements, Home range and Social organization.
Nothing is known specifically about behavior; it is presumed to be similar to that of Northern Raccoons.
Breeding.
Lactating females have been recorded May-July.
Status and Conservation.
Classified as Critically Endangered on The IUCN Red List due to their restricted range and small population numbers. The population of raccoons on Cozumel Island is estimated to be fewer than 250 adults.
Bibliography.
Cuaron et al. (2004), McFadden (2004), McFadden, Sambrotto et al. (2006), McFadden, Wade et al. (2005).