It should be no surprise based on my username that I love coatis. There's a small group at my local zoo, I've seen them in a zoo/theme park overseas, and even witnessed a large group in the wild. So, here's a short thread extolling the virtues of the coati (specifically focusing on Nasua narica, the white-nosed coati, since it's my personal preferred species).
Regional Representation:
Found from Arizona and Texas all the way down to Northern Colombia, the White-Nosed coati represents both Central and North America, two regions which are (in my opinion and that of many others) woefully underrepresented. Furthermore, with range in montane woodlands, tropical rainforests, and even the Sonoran desert, it could represent the Tropical, Desert, and perhaps even Temperate biome; the second of these especially would be a wonderful addition because the Southwest of the U.S. is currently only represented with the Prairie Dog, Cougar, Pronghorn, and some exhibits; Central America as well is represented only by the Tapir, Jaguar, and Capuchin (plus exhibits) as it stands.
Taxonomic Representation and Uniqueness:
The coati would add the game's first procyonid, a group which is currently unrepresented. Furthermore, it's a unique animal that looks totally unlike anything else in the game, from its pig-like snout to its long tail, held high above it when it walks. Plus, it would be able to have large bands (4-20 individuals, with all females) as well as solitary males, making it a unique social carnivore.
Realism:
While I love some of the oddball picks in this game and on wishlists, I think the coati is appropriately unique without being unheard of in captivity; the white-nosed species is kept in around 25 European zoos and the south american species in many more. It is a great starter animal to include, which wouldn't be too expensive or needy. Plus, as semi-arboreal foragers, they would well-utilize climbing and foraging enrichment, and could honestly be added without any new enrichment items or mechanics (although I'd love to see some sort of mammal-appropriate puzzle feeder utilized!)
They're Cute and I Like Them:
See section header.
Edit: just remembered, they’d also have lots of interspecies enrichment options, as mentioned below.
Regional Representation:
Found from Arizona and Texas all the way down to Northern Colombia, the White-Nosed coati represents both Central and North America, two regions which are (in my opinion and that of many others) woefully underrepresented. Furthermore, with range in montane woodlands, tropical rainforests, and even the Sonoran desert, it could represent the Tropical, Desert, and perhaps even Temperate biome; the second of these especially would be a wonderful addition because the Southwest of the U.S. is currently only represented with the Prairie Dog, Cougar, Pronghorn, and some exhibits; Central America as well is represented only by the Tapir, Jaguar, and Capuchin (plus exhibits) as it stands.
Taxonomic Representation and Uniqueness:
The coati would add the game's first procyonid, a group which is currently unrepresented. Furthermore, it's a unique animal that looks totally unlike anything else in the game, from its pig-like snout to its long tail, held high above it when it walks. Plus, it would be able to have large bands (4-20 individuals, with all females) as well as solitary males, making it a unique social carnivore.
Realism:
While I love some of the oddball picks in this game and on wishlists, I think the coati is appropriately unique without being unheard of in captivity; the white-nosed species is kept in around 25 European zoos and the south american species in many more. It is a great starter animal to include, which wouldn't be too expensive or needy. Plus, as semi-arboreal foragers, they would well-utilize climbing and foraging enrichment, and could honestly be added without any new enrichment items or mechanics (although I'd love to see some sort of mammal-appropriate puzzle feeder utilized!)
They're Cute and I Like Them:
See section header.
Edit: just remembered, they’d also have lots of interspecies enrichment options, as mentioned below.
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