Kinkajous
BEHAVIOR
Kinkajous (scientific name: Potos flavus) are nocturnal by nature, like their relative the raccoon. Their most active time is from around 7 pm – midnight. Kinkajous are aggressive and startle easily. They have sharp teeth and long sharp claws that they use to fight off attackers. Kinkajous spend most of their time up in trees.
COLOR PATTERN
- Brown coat
- Bare spots on neck and cheeks that are scent glands
- Long flexible tail that is used as an extra limb to hang from branches and climb in trees
WHERE WE LIVE
Kinkajous primarily live in the rainforest regions of Central and South America. They spend the majority of their lives up in trees.
WEIGHT
Kinkajou
3-10 pounds
3-10 pounds
Bowling Ball
8 pounds
8 pounds
LENGTH
Kinkajou
31-52 inches long
31-52 inches long
A Man’s Stride
36 inches long
36 inches long
Bonus
Kinkajou
A kinkajou’s tongue can measure up to 5 inches long!
A kinkajou’s tongue can measure up to 5 inches long!
Pencil
7.5 inches
7.5 inches
WHAT WE EAT
Weirdly, kinkajous are carnivores that primarily eat fruit
- Berries
- Bananas
- Small Rodents
Based on their diet, kinkajous are omnivores, but they have carnassial teeth which is a carnivore trait.
THREATS
- Habitat Loss
Kinkajous are losing a lot of their habitat to farming and urbanization. - Pet Trade
Kinkajous have become popular in the pet trade despite their aggressive nature.
Did you know…
Over
90%
of a kinkajou’s diet is fruit!
Did you know…
Kinkajous can live to be
25
years old!
Did you know…
Baby kinkajous weigh
2
ounces at birth!
