The
kinkajou (
Potos flavus) is a
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
sun bear). Kinkajous may be mistaken for
ferrets or
monkeys, but are not closely related to either. Native to
Central America and
South America, this mostly
frugivorous,
arboreal mammal is not an
endangered species, though it is seldom seen by people because of its strict
nocturnal habits. However, they are hunted for the pet trade, for their fur (to make wallets and horse
saddles) and for their 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 re-export. They may live up to 40 years in
captivity.