Скачать или смотреть All 3 Raccoon Species (Mapped Across The Americas)

Raccoon species number only three true species within the Procyon genus, despite common misconceptions about their diversity. The North American raccoon (Procyon lotor) is the most widespread and familiar, recognized by its distinctive black mask and ringed tail. This highly adaptable species has successfully colonized urban environments across North America and has been introduced to parts of Europe and Asia.

The crab-eating raccoon (Procyon cancrivorus) represents the second confirmed species, native to Central and South America. As its name suggests, it specializes in foraging for crustaceans along waterways, with subtle physical differences from its northern cousin including a more elongated face and less pronounced facial markings.

The third and most endangered raccoon species is the Cozumel raccoon (Procyon pygmaeus), found exclusively on Mexico's Cozumel Island. This island-dwelling species is notably smaller than its mainland relatives, an example of insular dwarfism. Conservation efforts are critical for this species, which faces significant threats from habitat destruction and human development.

Types of raccoons that you will find in the wild depend on your location.

What were once classified as separate species like the Barbados, Tres Marias, and Bahamian raccoons are now generally considered subspecies or regional variants of these three primary raccoon species, primarily of Procyon lotor.


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The classification of raccoons into three true species rather than a broader range reflects modern taxonomic understanding based on genetic analysis and morphological studies. Scientists recognize the North American raccoon (Procyon lotor), crab-eating raccoon (Procyon cancrivorus), and Cozumel raccoon (Procyon pygmaeus) as distinct species because they represent genetically isolated populations with significant evolutionary divergence.

However, raccoon diversity extends well beyond these three species through numerous subspecies, particularly within Procyon lotor. Taxonomists have identified over 20 subspecies of the North American raccoon alone, including the Barbados raccoon (P. lotor gloveralleni), Tres Marias raccoon (P. lotor insularis), and Bahamian raccoon (P. lotor maynardi), previously considered separate species.

These subspecies developed distinct characteristics through geographic isolation and adaptation to local environments. Island-dwelling subspecies often exhibit size differences and specialized behaviors compared to their mainland counterparts. The Eastern raccoon (P. lotor lotor), Florida raccoon (P. lotor elucus), and Pacific Northwest raccoon (P. lotor pacificus) represent mainland subspecies with subtle but measurable differences.

This taxonomic organization—three species with multiple subspecies—demonstrates the balance between recognizing significant evolutionary divergence (species) while acknowledging regional adaptations and variations (subspecies) in understanding raccoon biodiversity and evolution.


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