Kinkajou
Potos flavus
Silhouette: Margot Michaud · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassMammalia (Mammals)
- OrderCarnivora (Carnivorans)
- FamilyProcyonidae (Raccoons, Coatis, and Allies)
- GenusPotos (Kinkajous)
- SpeciesPotos flavus (Kinkajou)
About the Kinkajou
The kinkajou (/ˈkɪŋkədʒuː/ KING-kə-joo; Potos flavus) is a mammal of the family Procyonidae, a relative 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 shared with several unrelated species). Though kinkajous are arboreal, they are not closely related to any other tree-dwelling mammal group (primates, mustelids, etc.).
Native to tropical rainforests of 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, its skin (to make wallets and horse saddles), and 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.
The common name kinkajou derives from French quincajou, based on the Algonquian name for the wolverine. It is similar to the Ojibwe word gwiingwaʼaage, perhaps from a Proto-Algonquian *kwi·nkwaʔa·ke. Its other names in English... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Kinkajou in Braulio Carrillo National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Braulio Carrillo National Park
White-nosed Coati
Nasua narica
Common Raccoon
Procyon lotor
Chiriqui Olingo
Bassaricyon gabbii
Cacomistle
Bassariscus sumichrasti
Tayra
Eira barbara
Striped Hog-nosed Skunk
Conepatus semistriatus
Coyote
Canis latrans
Ocelot
Leopardus pardalis
Mountain Lion
Puma concolor
Jaguarundi
Puma yagouaroundi
Margay
Leopardus wiedii
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Kinkajou in Braulio Carrillo National Park?
About 10% of wildlife watchers report a Kinkajou sighting in Braulio Carrillo National Park, based on 17 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Kinkajou in Braulio Carrillo National Park?
November has the highest sighting rate for Kinkajou in Braulio Carrillo National Park in our monthly data.