One thing that shocked me while I was visiting Cozumel was how many Americans tried to correct me when I said I was interested in Mexico’s critically endangered raccoons. Seriously, the amount of people who tried to tell me “actually, they call them coatis here” was crazy to me! But after a bit of digging, I realized the problem: If you google “Mexican raccoons,” photos and information about the coati pop up! Considering Mexico does actually have two species of raccoon, and one is critically endangered and in desperate need of recognition, this is an issue.
What Kind of Raccoons Live in Mexico?
Mexico is home to two raccoon species:
- The Common Raccoon (Procyon lotor) – Found throughout North America, including parts of Mexico.
- The Pygmy Raccoon (Procyon pygmaeus) – A critically endangered species found only on Cozumel Island.
Unfortunately, the mislabeling of white-nosed coatis or “coatimundis” as “Mexican raccoons” not only spreads misinformation but also hurts conservation efforts. This is especially true for the Cozumel raccoon, one of the North America’s most endangered mammals.
Are Coatis Mexican Raccoons?
No! Coatis are not Mexican raccoons. The coatis found in Mexico are white-nosed Coatis (Nasua narica), also known as coatimundis. Coatis members of the Procyonidae family, which means they are related to raccoons, but they are not raccoons themselves. Kinkajous are also procyonids! But we aren’t calling them raccoons, are we?
Coatis are amazing animals in their own right, and deserve to be respected by their name. Did you know that the dwarf coati in Cozumel is a critically endangered subspecies of the white-nosed coati?
Why This Misidentification Matters for Mexican Raccoon Conservation
Search engine algorithms play a major role in public awareness and conservation funding. When people look up “Mexican raccoon” and are only shown coatis, it means that the Cozumel pygmy raccoon is being erased from public knowledge. This lack of awareness makes it difficult for conservation organizations to secure funding from the public, implement protective measures, and educate the public about the species’ dire status.
If people don’t know an animal exists, they can’t advocate for its protection. This is a massive issue when it comes to species like the Cozumel pygmy raccoon, which is already on the brink of extinction.
What You Can Do to Help
If you’re passionate about wildlife conservation, you can help by sharing accurate information about Mexican raccoons, supporting conservation organizations working to protect the Cozumel pygmy raccoon, and correcting misinformation when you see it.
Understanding the difference between coatis and raccoons is more than a scientific distinction—it’s a crucial step toward ensuring that endangered species like the Cozumel pygmy raccoon are recognized and protected before it’s too late.
By spreading awareness, we can make sure that the real Mexican raccoons get the attention they need and deserve.
