Kinkajou

Kinkajou
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Procyonidae
Subfamily: Potosinae
Genus: Potos
Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire & G. Cuvier, 1795
Species:
P. flavus
Binomial name
Potos flavus
(Schreber, 1774)
Subspecies
List
  • P. f. chapadensis J. A. Allen, 1904
  • P. f. chiriquensis J. A. Allen, 1904
  • P. f. flavus (Schreber, 1774)
  • P. f. megalotus (Martin, 1836)
  • P. f. meridensis Thomas, 1902
  • P. f. modestus Thomas, 1902
  • P. f. nocturnus (Wied, 1826)
  • P. f. prehensilis (Kerr, 1792)
Distribution of kinkajou (2010)[1]
Synonyms[2]
List
  • Cercoleptes brachyotos Schinz, 1844
  • C. brachyotus Martin, 1836
  • C. lepida Illiger, 1815
  • C. megalotus Martin, 1836
  • Lemur flavus Schreber, 1774
  • Mustela potto Muller, 1776
  • Nasua nocturna Wied, 1826
  • Viverra caudivolvula Schreber, 1778
  • V. prehensilis Kerr, 1792

The kinkajou (/ˈkɪŋkədʒuː/ KING-kə-joo; Potos flavus) is a tropical rainforest mammal of the family Procyonidae related to olingos, coatis, raccoons, and the ringtail and cacomistle. It is the only member of the genus Potos and is also known as the "honey bear" (a name that it shares with the unrelated sun bear). Though kinkajous are arboreal, they are not closely related to any other tree-dwelling mammal group (primates, some mustelids, etc.).

Native to Mexico, Central and South America, this mostly frugivorous mammal is seldom seen by people because of its strict nocturnal habits. However, it is hunted for the pet trade, for its skin (to make wallets and horse saddles), and for its meat. The species has been included in Appendix III of CITES by Honduras, which means that exports from Honduras require an export permit, and exports from other countries require a certificate of origin or of re-export. They may live up to 40 years in captivity.

  1. ^ a b Helgen, K.; Kays, R.; Schipper, J. (2016). "Potos flavus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T41679A45215631. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T41679A45215631.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Ford was invoked but never defined (see the help page).