South American Coatis & Future

Coatis have many unique traits that have evolved specifically for them to hunt and survive. They can live both on the ground and in trees. Fruits, invertebrates, and vertebrates make up their diet, which demonstrates their versatility. Deforestation and climate change will require them to adapt and change even more in the future. For example, their ears will grow longer. Currently, they have small ears to help them move through dense brush more easily and to maintain a higher body temperature in colder climates. In order to withstand the increasing heat and locate more prey, they will evolve longer ears as the earth gets warmer and thicker brush becomes less prevalent. Additionally, they will develop a shorter tail. As trees become sparser, they will be living more on the ground, where a shorter tail would be more advantageous. Currently, they have a long tail to aid in climbing and navigating.