First record of xanthochromism in Nasua (Carnivora, Procyonidae) with notes on anomalously colored coatis

Abstract

Abstract Coatis ( Nasua ) are diurnal, gregarious mesocarnivores widely distributed across the Americas. Chromatic disorders are rarely documented in this genus. Here, we report the first record of xanthochromism in Nasua , based on two individuals of N. nasua observed in Tijuca National Park, Brazil, one of the largest urban forests in the world. The xanthochromic individuals exhibited a markedly yellow-orange coat, differing from the typical coloration of the species. Records were restricted to edge areas, suggesting a potential spatial association with environmental conditions, including anthropogenic disturbance. This finding provides new insights into phenotypic variation in coatis and highlights the potential influence of environmental conditions on the emergence of anomalous coloration in urban–forest interface areas.