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 Piedras Blancas National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Piedras Blancas National Park
White-nosed Coati
Nasua narica
Common Raccoon
Procyon lotor
Crab-eating Raccoon
Procyon cancrivorus
Tayra
Eira barbara
Mountain Lion
Puma concolor
Ocelot
Leopardus pardalis
Greater Grison
Galictis vittata
Margay
Leopardus wiedii
Striped Hog-nosed Skunk
Conepatus semistriatus
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 Piedras Blancas National Park?
About 10% of wildlife watchers report a Kinkajou sighting in Piedras Blancas National Park, based on 8 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Kinkajou in Piedras Blancas National Park?
November has the highest sighting rate for Kinkajou in Piedras Blancas National Park in our monthly data.