Cacomistle

The nocturnal and omnivorous mammal cacomistle – also written cacomixtle – is found in North and Central America. The Nahuatl word “cacomistle” (tlahcomiztli) translates to “half mountain lion” or “half cat.” They belong to the Procyonidae family, which also includes the raccoon and coati.

Cacomistles and ring-tailed cats are often confused with each other due to their similar appearance. The ring-tailed cat has rings throughout its tail and semi-retractable claws. However, the cacomistle only has black and white circles that fade towards the end of its tail and have non-retractable claws.

Subspecies

There are 5 sub-species of the cacomistle: Bassariscus sumichrasti variabilis, Bassariscus sumichrasti sumichrasti, Bassariscus sumichrasti oaxacensis, Bassariscus sumichrasti notinus, and Bassariscus sumichrasti latrans.

Description

Length: Body – 15 to 19 inches (38 to 47 cm); Tail – 15.3 to 21 inches (39 to 53 cm)

Weight: 1.5 to 4 pounds (0.68 to 1.81 kgs)

Body and Coloration: Cacomistles are grayish-brown in color. They have paler underparts with large eyes and white patches around their eyes. Their snouts are pointed, and they possess small faces with long, pointed ears. They have furry tails with black and white rings. These rings gradually fade towards the end, with the tail end being primarily black. Males generally have a longer body than females.

Range and Distribution

Though rare, they are found in North and Central America’s tropical forests throughout south-central Mexico to Panama, including Belize and northern Guatemala. Each specimen can have a range of around 20 to 130 hectares, indicating their shy and solitary nature.

Habitat

They live in various forest environments, favoring moist, tropical, evergreen woodlands and mountain forests. They go into drier deciduous forests when their habitat becomes excessively wet due to heavy rainfall over long periods. They are generally seen in the middle and higher levels of the canopy.

Cacomixtles have varied preferences regarding their habitat choices, depending on the region. These animals avoid secondary forests, overgrown pastures, and oak forests in Mexico yet prefer these same habitats in Costa Rica.

Diet

They are omnivorous and feed on fruits, berries, insects, eggs, and small vertebrates, including amphibians, reptiles, and rodents. They are good at adapting their dietary choices according to their habitat.

Behavior

• They are arboreal and rarely descend to the ground. 
• Cacomistles are nocturnal and only feed at night. 
• These are normally peaceful animals, but they bark, growl, or howl if threatened. Additionally, they will announce territory borders with their loud sounds.
• They can also get aggressive with each other if their range or territories overlap.
• The young use metallic squeaks to communicate.        

Lifespan

Cacomistles have a lifespan of 5 to 7 years in the wild. However, in captivity, they can live for up to 23 years.

Adaptations

• Its long tail acts like a balancing tool, making the cacomistle an excellent leaper and climber.
• Their sharp claws enable them to land safely and firmly grip branches.
• Their pointed ears give them a keen sense of hearing, helping them to hunt prey.

Mating and Reproduction 

Female Cacomistles undergo estrus for about 44 days between February and June, making Spring the season for their mating. Males and females communicate only during mating and separate immediately after. Research shows that females only accept or are receptive to male sexual advances for one day. However, there can be exceptions.

The females generally deliver just 1 offspring after 60 to 70 days of gestation. However, up to 5 cubs have also been recorded. The newborn opens its eyes when it is at least a month old. Once they are three months old and weaned, their mother guides them in hunting and surviving in the wild. Eventually, the cub will venture out and establish its territory. 

Predators

Their main predators are coyotes, large snakes, bobcats, ocelots, foxes, tayras, and large birds of prey like vultures and owls.

Conservation Status

On the IUCN Red List, this species is now categorized as Least Concern (LC).

Deforestation and habitat fragmentation pose a hazard to them. In Mexico and Honduras, they are also killed for their meat and fur.

Interesting Facts

• Agriculturalists and miners have used them as mousers to reduce the prevalence of rodents in their respective environments.
• They are also kept as exotic pets in various states of the US.