Nasua nasua (Linnaeus 1766)

Smith, Paul & Ríos, Sergio D., 2024, Status and distribution of Paraguayan Procyonidae and Mephitidae (Mammalia: Carnivora), Natural History Sciences 11 (1), pp. 25-36 : 27-30

Coati Nasua nasua (Linnaeus 1766) ( Fig. 3 )

[ Viverra ] nasua Linnaeus 1766: 64 . Type locality “America.” Restricted to “ Pernambuco ” by Cabrera (1957).

Nasua socialis Rengger (1830: ecology).

Nasua solitaria Rengger (1830: ecology); Seelwische (1980: ethnography); Masi Pallarés (1990: parasitology); Masi Pallarés (2011: guide).

Viverra Nasua Du Graty (1862: mention).

Nasua nasua Bertoni (1914 : checklist); Bertoni (1939: checklist); Jover Peralta & Osuna (1952: dictionary); Schmidt (1977: parasitology); Servicio Forestal Nacional (1982: guide); Hill & Hawkes (1983: use); Arenas (1987: use); Pérez et al. (1987: distribution); Stäbler (1987: guide); Whitaker & Abrell (1987: parasitology); Brooks (1993: ecology); Brooks et al. (1993: distribution); Van Humbeck B. & Silvera Avalos (1995: distribution); Dirección de Parques Nacionales y Vida Silvestre (1998: conservation); Gamarra de Fox & Martin (1996: specimens); Lowen et al. (1996: distribution); Gamarra de Fox et al. (1998: conservation); Yahnke et al. (1998: distribution); Hill & Padwe (2000: use); Villalba & Yanosky (2000: ecology, tracks); Esquivel (2001: guide); Neris & Colman (2001: folklore, use); Neris et al. (2002: distribution); Fariña & Hosttetler (2003: checklist); Hill et al. (2003: use); Cartes (2004: ecology); Neris & Franco Rivarola (2005: guide); Proyecto Kuatiañe’ẽ (2006: dictionary); Morales (2007: conservation); Nava et al. (2007: parasitology); Cartes et al. (2008: distribution); Naumann & Coronel (2008: education); Cartes et al. (2010: mortality); Horton (2010: guide); Itaipú Binacional (2010: guide); Ramírez Pinto & Velázquez (2010: distribution); Rumbo (2010: ecology); Cartes et al. (2011: mortality); Masi Pallarés (2011: guide); Centrón et al. (2013: use); Velázquez & Ramírez Pinto (2014: guide); Ortiz et al. (2016: guide); de la Sancha et al. (2017: list); Saldîvar et al. (2017: conservation); Epp (2018: guide); Gengler (2018: distribution); Villalba et al. (2018: guide); González et al. (2019: distribution); Owen & Smith (2019: distribution, specimens); Weiler et al. (2019: guide); Caballero-Gini et al. (2020: distribution); Smith et al. (2020: ecology); Weiler et al. (2020: ecology); Torres et al. (2022: guide); Zuercher et al. (2022: diet).

Nasua narica Bertoni (1939 : checklist); Masi Pallarés (2011: guide).

Nasua nasua spadicea Wetzel & Lovett (1974: specimens); Seesee et al. (1981: parasitology).

Nasua nasua aricana Schmidt & Martin (1978: parasitology).

Local names: Cuatí (Morales, 2007); ACHE: Kane (Hill & Hawkes, 1983); Ka’ré (Lowen et al., 1996); Kare (Esquivel, 2001); Karẽ, Kuchĩ, Tavua, Tabua (Proyecto Kuatiañe’ẽ, 2006); AVA: Pytachai (Villalba & Yanosky, 2002); Pychai (Villalba & Yanosky, 2000); GUARANÍ: Cuati, Cuati mondé (Rengger, 1830); Kuatí ( Bertoni, 1914); Kuatí-mondé ( Bertoni, 1914); Cuatĩ, Cuatĩmondé, Cuatĩhaeñó (Jover Peralta & Osuna, 1952); Koati, kuati (Servicio Forestal Nacional, 1982); MBYA: Chi’y (Villalba & Yanosky, 2000); Kuatî (Lowen et al., 1996); Kuati monde (Villalba & Yanosky, 2000); NIVACLÉ: Jim (Seelwische, 1980); SPANISH: Coati (Neris & Colman, 2001). The Tupí-Guaraní name Kuatí (and variations) has seen different published explanations including: “belt nose” describing the manner in which the animal sleeps (Gompper & Decker, 1998); “pointed nose” (contraction of Aku᾽a and ti) ( Cartes, 2014), “finger nose” (Kua, finger and tî, nose) (Ortiz et al., 2016), and “hole nose” (from kua and ti) in reference to the foraging behaviour (Smith, 2024). The Aché name Kane mentioned by Hill & Hawkes (1983) applies to the Ornate Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus ornatus according to Proyecto Kuatiañe’ẽ (2006).

Comments: This is the Cuatí of Azara (1802; Tome 1: 293) and Le Couati of Azara (1801; Tome 1: 334). Azara noted that the species could be seen alone, in pairs or in groups, providing detailed observations on behaviour, including personality traits of a captive individual and a literature review that contemplated the variation shown by the species.

Rengger (1830) split the Coati into two species – Nasua socialis (Der gesellige Cuati – The Sociable Coati, p. 98) and Nasua solitaria (Der Cuati mondé oder einsame Cuati – The Coatimundi or Solitary Coati, p. 109), a species concept based on behaviour and supposed colour and size differences that was later disproved. Indeed, Azara (1801, 1802) had earlier discussed the fact that this concept was erroneous, noting that the larger size of the Cuatí Mondé was because solitary animals were generally males, and dismissing the idea of colour differences as not consistent with his findings. However, Rengger (1830) provides a staunch defence of his position pointing out all of the perceived flaws in Azara᾽s reasoning. Nonetheless, ignoring this error of reasoning Rengger᾽s text is an extremely detailed account of the behaviour of the species.

Nasua narica (Linnaeus 1766) is now the scientific name of the Central American white-nosed coati, but the two species have often been considered conspecific in the past (Corbett & Hill, 1986; Decker, 1991). The variable pelage colouration of coatis has led to a number of different specific and subspecific names being used, but individuals with different coat colours may even appear in the same litter ( Allen, 1879).

Paraguayan specimens are currently attributed to N. n. aricana Vieira 1945: 404 (Kays, 2009), but have in the past been attributed to N. n. spadicea Olfers 1818: 227. This followed restriction of the type locality of N. n. spadicea to Paraguay by Hershkovitz (1959) on the basis that Olfers included Le Couati of Azara (1801) in his synonymy. Less often populations are assigned to N. n. solitaria Schinz 1821: 199 , the subspecies present in the Atlantic Forests on the Brazilian and Argentinian banks of the Paraná River.A revision of the subspecies limits to determine the correct names applicable to Paraguayan populations is desirable. According to Cartes et al (2010, 2011) it is one of the most frequent mammalian victims of roadkill along the Ruta Transchaco, but this does not concur with our own experience.

Bertoni (1914, 1939) stated that Ihering (1910) considered Nasua solitaria Wied 1826 to be a synonym of N. narica Linneaus 1766 (sensu lato), however the same author had earlier considered the two distinct (Rengger, 1830: Ihering, 1893, 1894). Bertoni (1914, 1939) notes correctly that solitary animals are indeed the same species, but his comment that he had failed “to find adults amongst the social groups” is misleading (Smith, 2024). Typically, it is only adult males that are solitary (Gompper & Decker, 1998), and in some populations the males are also social (Hirsch, 2011). This greatly outdated misconception of solitary and social species was propagated recently by Masi Pallarés (2011) who used three scientific names for this species in a confused text. Nasua nasua was apparently intended as a “catch all” name for the Paraguayan Coatis, with two names then applied under this heading: N. narica which was given the common name “Coatí-pytâ” (“red coati”) and does not even apply to the same species, and N. solitaria named “Coatí-común” (“common coati”). The diagnosis provided for the two is far from diagnostic and should be ignored by future researchers.

Geographical distribution: A widespread habitat generalist that is found throughout the country in all ecoregions, with a preference for areas with some forest cover. The species is found equally in humid forests of the Oriental region, and dry forests of the Chaco region, but it is absent from the most xeric forests of the western Dry Chaco. We could find no confirmed records from Cordillera department but the species undoubtedly occurs there too. There is a locality named Kuati᾽i (“little Coati”) in Caazapá department.

Examined specimens: “Chaco” ( MJUF) ALTO PARAGUAY: Bahía Negra ( MNHNP 801; Gamarra de Fox & Martin, 1996); BOQUERÓN: Parque Nacional Defensores del Chaco ( MNHNP 784, 785, 786, 787, 788, 798, 833; Gamarra de Fox & Martin, 1996); CANINDEYÚ: Katueté ( MNHNP 789; Gamarra de Fox & Martin, 1996); Lagunita, Reserva Bosque Mbaracayú ( MNHNP 1051); Reserva Natural del Bosque Mbaracayú ( MNHNP 1052; Brooks et al., 1993; Gamarra de Fox & Martin, 1996; Lowen et al., 1996; Hill & Padwe, 2000; Esquivel, 2001; Fariña & Hosttetler, 2003; Hill et al., 2003; Guyra Paraguay, 2008; Zuercher et al., 2022); PRESIDENTE HAYES: Tinfunké, Retiro Tres Marías ( MNHNP 1979).

Specimens not examined: “Chaco Boreal” ( NRM 600070 , 600203 ); “Paraguay” ( CBMI 0254 , 0258 ; MACN 1008 , 1009 ; MLP 5.12 , 16.11 , 19.32 , 19.33 , 19.35 , 22.18 , 25.30 , 25.361, 25.362, 26.77, 28.38, 28.39, 28.40, 30.189, 30.223, 31.66, 31.267; NRM 602368; USNM 526); ALTO

PARAGUAY: 4 km NW of Dos Estrellas (UF 20658); 30 km W of Puerto Casado on the rail road ( FMNH 54328; Gamarra de Fox & Martin 1996);Agua Dulce, 123 km E of Mayor Pablo Lagerenza ( UCONN 19827); Puerto Casado ( MLP 45.21); ALTO PARANÁ: Hernandarias Vivero Forestal ( CBMI 0007, 0062, 0077); Reserva Limoy ( CBMI 0025; Pérez et al., 1987; PS, FPMAM889VI); AMAMBAY: 4 km SW of Cerro Corá ( UMMZ 125568; Gamarra de Fox & Martin, 1996); 15 km S of Bella Vista, old Indian camp (MHNG-MAM 1629.006, 1629.007; Roguin, 1986; Gamarra de Fox & Martin, 1996); CAAGUAZÚ: Yuquerí River ( MCZ 28094, 29615); CANINDEYÚ: 6, 3 km by road NE of Curuguaty ( UMMZ 124457); 13.3 km N by road of Curuguaty ( UMMZ 126118, 126119; Gamarra de Fox & Martin, 1996); Refugio Carapá ( CBMI 0010); ITAPÚA: 8 km N of San Rafael ( UMMZ 126120; Gamarra de Fox & Martin, 1996); Capitán Meza ( MLP 47.374, 47.376); PRESIDENTE HAYES: 1.5 km SW, E of Juan de Salazar, Campos Flores ( UCONN 16833); 85 km east of Loma Plata, Laguna Pora de Colonia Fernheim ( UCONN 19565); km 210 Ruta Transchaco (MHNG-MAM 1629.066; Roguin 1986, Gamarra de Fox & Martin, 1996); km 304 Ruta Transchaco ( UCONN 16639); km 305 Ruta Transchaco, Retiro ( UCONN 17014, 17015); km 312 Ruta Transchaco ( UCONN 18095; Wetzel & Lovett, 1974); Estancia Juan de Salazar ( UCONN 16275, 16638, 16640, 16648, 16736; Wetzel & Lovett, 1974); Estancia Juan de Salazar, 5 km E of Transchaco Highway bridge ( UCONN 16644); Estancia Juan de Salazar, 6 km N of Rio Verde station ( UCONN 16229); Pozo Colorado ( UCONN 17498); Puerto Pinasco, Movat, Tanja (AMNH- M 77694); Rio Negro, km 146 Ruta Transchaco ( UCONN 18157); Waikthlatingmayalwa (UMZC Vertebrates K 1594, 1594.2; HI 128).

Literature references: ALTO PARAGUAY: Estación Los Tres Gigantes (Horton, 2010; González et al., 2019); ALTO PARANÁ: Refugio Biológico Tati Yupi (Pérez et al., 1987); Reserva Biológica de Itabó (Pérez et al., 1987); “Itaipú area of influence” (Van Humbeck B. & Silvera Ávalos, 1995; Gamarra de Fox & Martin, 1996); AMAMBAY: Parque Nacional Cerro Corá (Yahnke et al. 1998); BOQUERÓN: Parque Nacional Defensores del Chaco (Yahnke et al., 1998); Estancia Montanía (21º57’48’’S, 60 º 04’19’’W) (Weiler et al., 2020); Parque Nacional Teniente Enciso (Gamarra de Fox & Martin, 1996); CAAGUAZÚ: Estancia Kaa’guy Rory (Lowen et al., 1996; Guyra Paraguay, 2008); Serranía San Joaquín (Guyra Paraguay, 2008); CAAZAPÁ: Parque Nacional Caaguazú (=Parque Nacional Caazapá) (Gamarra de Fox & Martin, 1996; Lowen et al., 1996); Reserva Privada Ypeti (=Reserva Privada Golondrina I) ( Brooks et al., 1993; Lowen et al., 1996; Guyra Paraguay, 2008); Reserva Tapytá (Velázquez & Ramírez Pinto, 2014); CAAZAPÁ / ITAPÚA: Parque Nacional San Rafael (Lowen et al., 1996); CANINDEYÚ: Estancia Felicidad (Guyra Paraguay, 2008); Reserva de Patrimonio Aché de Kuetuvy (Centrón et al., 2013); Reserva Natural Privada Itabó ( Brooks et al., 1993; Lowen et al., 1996); CANINDEYÚ / CAAGUAZÚ: Reserva Natural Privada Morombi (=Reserva Privada Golondrina II) ( Brooks et al., 1993; Lowen et al., 1996; Guyra Paraguay, 2008); CONCEPCIÓN: Parque Nacional Serranía San Luis (Gamarra de Fox & Martin, 1996); GUAIRÁ: Ybyturuzú (Guyra Paraguay, 2008); ITAPÚA: Estancia Nueva Gambach (Procosara) (Smith et al., 2020); MISIONES: Estancia La Graciela (Guyra Paraguay, 2008); Yabebyry (Guyra Paraguay, 2008); PARAGUARÍ: Isla Alta (Gengler, 2018); Parque Nacional Ybycuí (Servicio Forestal Nacional, 1982; Gamarra de Fox & Martin, 1996); PRESIDENTE HAYES: 22º30’S. 59º13’W ( Brooks, 1993); Estancia Playada ( Caballero-Gini et al., 2020); Estancia Santa Asunción (Guyra Paraguay, 2008); Pilcomayo (Ramírez Pinto & Velázquez, 2010); SAN PEDRO: Rancho Laguna Blanca (Smith et al., 2020).

Photographic records: ALTO PARAGUAY: 5 km west of Carmelo Peralta (SDR); ITAPÚA: Estancia Nueva Gambach (Procosara) (T. Faust, FPMAM408PH); PRESIDENTE HAYES: Estancia Santa Maria del Doce (Fundación La Piedad) (J.L. Cartes, FPMAM403PH); Estancia Golondrina (SDR).

Reliable observations: ALTO PARAGUAY: Estancia Jaguarete Pora (PS); CENTRAL: Asunción (Carolina Álvarez); Oga Guazú, Ypacaraí (Carolina Álvarez); ÑEEMBUCÚ: Km 17 East of Pilar on Ruta 4 (Jorge Ayala).

Figures

Fig. 3 - Distribution of Nasua nasua in Paraguay. Specimen examined (yellow circle); Specimen not examined (blue triangle); Literature reference (green square); Photographic record (red hexagon); Reliable observation (purple star). / Distribuzione di Nasua nasua in Paraguay. Esemplare esaminato (cerchio giallo); esemplare non esaminato (triangolo blu); riferimento bibliografico (quadrato verde); documentazione fotografica (esagono rosso); osservazione affidabile (stella viola).