Kinkajou

Kinkajou(Potos flavus)

Phylum —chordata
Class — mammalia
Order — carnivora
Family — procyonidae

Genus –potos

Appearance

The Kinkajou has a round head, large eyes, a short pointed snout, short limbs and a long prehensile tail. The total head-and-body length (including the tail) is between 82 to 133 cm (32 to 52 in), and the tail measures 39 to 57 cm (15 to 22 in). The weight ranges from 1.4 to 4.6 kg (3.1 to 10.1 lb). Females are generally smaller than males. The short, rounded ears measure 3.6 to 5.5 cm (1.4 to 2.2 in). The claws are sharp and short.

The coat color varies throughout the range and at different times of the year. Several shades such as tawny olive, wood brown and yellowish tawny have been reported for the upper part of the coat and the upper side of the tail, while the underparts and the lower side of the tail have been observed to be buff, tawny or brownish yellow. Some individuals have a black stripe running along the midline of the back. The color seems to become lighter from the south to the north, though no seasonal trends have been observed. The fur is short, woolly and dense. Hairs are of two types: light yellowish and darker with brown tips. The tail is covered with thick fur up to the end.

Habitat

Kinkajous live south and east of the Mexican Sierra Madres, through Central America to Bolivia to the east of the Andes, as well as in the Atlantic Forest in south eastern Brazil.

Behavior

Kinkajous are strictly arboreal and nocturnal. They were earlier thought to be solitary, however, recent studies reveal a complex social system that is comparable to other arboreal and nocturnal species. Social groups usually consist of a female and two males but may include sub-adults and juveniles as well. Kinkajous sleep in their dens during the day, often in a hole or fork of a tree, and generally with members from their home group. When dusk comes, members of a group spend time socializing and allogrooming before separating to forage. A Kinkajou will usually feed on its own, except when eating in large fruit trees, as here there is less competition among them because of the plentiful food supply. Whether in a small group or alone, Kinkajous usually go the same route every night and usually keep to their own territory. They mark their territory using scent glands, which are at the corner of their mouth, their throat, and their abdomen.

Diet

Kinkajous are primarily opportunistic frugivorous, they mostly eat fruit, including melons, apples, bananas, figs, grapes, and mangos. They also eat nectar, berries, bark, leaves, frogs, insects, honey, birds and eggs. Most of the moisture that they need comes from their food, though they also drink water that has gathered on leaves or in nooks of trees.

Reproduction

Kinkajous are polygynandrous (promiscuous), with both males and females mating with multiple partners. Breeding takes place year-round. Gestation is 98-120 days. The size of a litter is usually one, sometimes two. After 2 to 6 weeks its eyes open and between 3-6 weeks the tail becomes prehensile. A mother is very protective of her young and she carries her baby on her belly everywhere she goes. However, after the baby is weaned she will park it in a nearby tree while feeding. The pup will be weaned when it is 8 months of age. A male reaches maturity at the age of 18 months and females at 2-3 years old.

In captivity

They live an average of about 23 years in captivity, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 41 years.

Kinkajous need as large of an enclosure as possible. At minimum, it should be 4 feet wide, 8 feet long, and 6 feet tall. Large macaw enclosures often work well for Kinkajous. Provide several branches, ledges and shelves, and ropes for climbing within the enclosure. You also can include some items made for large parrots, such as wooden ladders, rope swings, and hanging ropes with pieces of wood on them. Avoid anything with a chain, as this can injure a Kinkajou's digits.

Include a hammock or nest box in the enclosure where your animal can go to feel safe and rest. Fleece is a good material out of which to construct a hammock. And many owners fashion a nest box out of a small plastic storage container lined with fleece and attached to the side of the enclosure.

Most owners find it best to confine Kinkajous whenever they're not able to supervise the animal. The ideal Kinkajou owner would have a similar nocturnal lifestyle as their pet, but that's not an option for many people. But you still must allow your Kinkajou to play and exercise out of its enclosure for at least a few hours each day for socialization and to prevent boredom. Proof the area of your home where you let it play as you would for a toddler—hide power cords, cover outlets, remove breakable objects, etc.

Kinkajous are generally fine with the room temperature of a home. Just make sure the temperature stays above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, humidity levels should be no less than 50 percent. These animals also can benefit from an outdoor enclosure for more environmental enrichment. Set it up similarly to the indoor enclosure, but make sure your Kinkajou always has access to shade. Also, always monitor your animal when it's outdoors in case there are predators or inclement weather in the area.

Kinkajous primarily feed on fruits, nectar, and honey in the wild. But if the opportunity arises they will sometimes eat insects, eggs, frogs, and other plants and blossoms.

In captivity, they can be fed commercial primate foods, which will form a nutritious base to their diet with many vitamins and minerals. They also should get a variety of fruits (especially tropical fruits), such as bananas, papayas, mangoes, melons, kiwis, grapes, pineapples, and pomegranates. In addition, they can have some seasonal vegetables and a bit of protein, such as cooked chicken or eggs. Experts recommend avoiding strawberries, citrus fruits, avocados, broccoli, and onions, along with dairy, chocolate, and caffeine.

Consult your veterinarian for the appropriate quantity and variety to feed your animal, as this varies with age, size, and activity level. It's typically best to feed your Kinkajou in the evening when it's waking up and looking for food, but ask your vet for the ideal feeding schedule.

Heavy ceramic food bowls that your Kinkajou can't flip over or bowls that can be securely attached to the side of the enclosure work well for feeding. Fresh water also should be provided at all times. However, water in a bowl is likely to be dumped or dirtied, so a water bottle with a sipper tube that attaches to the enclosure wall is recommended. Make sure your Kinkajou figures out how to drink from the sipper tube before removing its water bowl.