Fast Facts: Kinkajou
With its big eyes, long tail, and curious expression, this adorable Kinkajou reminds me of a tamer version of a monkey. It's a wonder they're not related.
The Kinkajou : Potos flavus
Description: Kinkajous are mammals that belong to the same family as coatis and raccoons. They have thick golden fur that keeps them dry, big eyes, short limbs, and a long tail; in a way, they resemble monkeys, although there is no relation between these two creatures. As an arboreal species, Kinkajous have sharp, clawed paws to help them navigate between different branches.
Habitat: Kinkajous can be found from Southern Mexico to the Southeast of the Amazon Rainforest. They live in the trees of closed-canopy rainforests, rarely setting foot on the forest floor.
Diet: Kinkajous are classified as frugivores. Fruit makes up more than 90% of the Kinkajou's diet, meaning that Kinkajous play a big role in fruit seed dispersal. They'll also eat nectar; pollen can often be seen on a Kinkajou's fur after they feed on a flower's nectar. When fruit is unavailable, insects, birds, eggs, bark, and leaves are next on a Kinkajou's list.
Behavior: Kinkajous are nocturnal and spend much of their time awake moving about. Whether they're traveling or foraging, Kinkajous are very active and rarely stop to rest. During the day, Kinkajous rest in tree holes, and although these are generally solitary creatures, a female will sometimes share her territory with several males. In addition, multiple Kinkajous will occasionally gather at den sites and participate in social activities such as grooming.
Conservation Status: Although classified as Least Concern, the population of the Kinkajou is decreasing due to commercial development and habitat loss. There is estimated to be anywhere from 21 to 30 Kinkajous per km squared in Mexico and South America where Kinkajou populations are present.
Unique Traits: Kinkajous have a tail length around 15-22 inches, which is around the same length as their whole body. These long tails are prehensile, meaning it can be used to grasp tree branches for balance. On the other end, a Kinkajou's tongue can grow as long as 5 inches! Similar to the feeding behavior of an anteater, Kinkajous will slurp up termites from their colony; they'll even do the same with honey in beehives.
https://itsnature.org/trees/mammals-trees/kinkajou/
Kinkajou - Description, Habitat, Image, Diet, and Interesting Facts (animals.net)
Potos flavus (Kinkajou) (iucnredlist.org)
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