Mexico hosts various raccoon populations, inhabiting diverse environments across the country. These masked creatures are found in mainland regions and on several islands. Their presence involves exploring specific types, geographical distribution, and conservation needs.
Raccoon Species in Mexico
Mexico hosts two distinct species within the Procyon genus: the widespread common raccoon and the unique Cozumel raccoon. The common raccoon, scientifically known as Procyon lotor, includes several subspecies found throughout the Mexican mainland. One prominent subspecies is Procyon lotor hernandezii, often referred to as the Mexican raccoon or Yucatan raccoon, which is broadly distributed across central, western, and southern Mexico. Another notable subspecies is the Tres Marias raccoon (Procyon lotor insularis), which is endemic to the Islas Marías.
Distinct from these mainland forms is the Cozumel raccoon (Procyon pygmaeus), recognized as a separate species endemic solely to Cozumel Island. This island species is noticeably smaller than its mainland relatives, typically weighing between 1.4 to 4.5 kilograms, and possesses a more rounded snout. The Cozumel raccoon also features a distinctive large black throat band and a light yellow or bronze-colored tail, which differentiate it from the common raccoon’s more uniform grayish coat and prominent ringed tail.
Where Raccoons Live in Mexico
Raccoons in Mexico occupy a wide array of habitats, demonstrating their adaptability. The Mexican raccoon (Procyon lotor hernandezii) thrives across a large portion of the mainland, from tropical lowlands to higher elevation montane forests. These raccoons are found in diverse settings, including tropical rainforests, mangrove swamps in coastal areas, temperate oak-pine woodlands, and dry deciduous forests. Their distribution spans states and regions like the Yucatán Peninsula, Tlaxcala, Jalisco, and extends southward into Central America, often found near essential fresh water sources.
The Cozumel raccoon (Procyon pygmaeus) is exclusively found on Cozumel Island, situated off the Yucatán Peninsula. On this island, these raccoons primarily inhabit mangrove forests and sandy wetlands, particularly in the northwest region. They also venture into semi-evergreen forests and agricultural lands that surround their preferred coastal habitats. The Tres Marias raccoon (Procyon lotor insularis) has a restricted range, found only on the two main islands of the Islas Marías archipelago, located off the western coast of Nayarit state.
Conservation Status and Unique Aspects
The conservation status of raccoons in Mexico varies significantly among the species and subspecies. The Cozumel raccoon (Procyon pygmaeus) is classified as critically endangered by the IUCN Red List. Its population is estimated to be around 192 mature individuals, with numbers continuing to decline. Threats to this island species include habitat loss due to tourism development, increased human interaction such as feeding by tourists, diseases transmitted by introduced domestic animals, and the impact of severe weather events like hurricanes.
The Tres Marias raccoon (Procyon lotor insularis), once endangered, is now a common raccoon subspecies under special Mexican government protection. Though its endangered IUCN classification was removed, its population remains at risk, with fewer than 250 mature individuals. These raccoons are somewhat larger than the common raccoon and possess a distinctive angular skull. The common raccoon population on the Mexican mainland is stable, demonstrating adaptability to various environments, including urban and suburban settings.