Band size, activity pattern and occupancy of the coati Nasua narica (Carnivora, Procyonidae) in the Southeastern Mexican rainforest

The White-nosed coati or tejon, Nasua narica, is relatively common within terrestrial mammal communities though little information on its population ecology has been gathered in certain regions. This study evaluates the band size, activity pattern and occupancy of N. narica at Los Chimalapas, in the eastern region of the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, a biodiverse region. It is expected that band size will be greater and activity time will differ from that of predators. Camera traps were used to record the species (2011-2013) in a rainforest at Southeastern Mexico. Band size and activity pattern were calculated based on photographic records. Activity pattern was compared between seasons and with that of predators. The spatial distribution of activity, as well as relationship to the proximity of water, populated areas, crops and the presence of predators, was evaluated with occupancy models. Average band size was 9.03±0.52 individuals. As expected, N. narica presented principally diurnal activity and its activity patterns did not differ seasonally, but differed significantly from those of its predators. The occupancy probability of N. narica was 0.66 and the detection probability was higher in proximity to the nearby village. The population of N. narica at Los Chimalapas may be considered similar to other regions, particularly the band size; predator activity patterns may be an important factor in the activity of N. narica, but not in its occupancy.