Kinkajou

Kinkajou
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific 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.