Bushy-tailed Olingo

The northern olingo, also known as the bushy-tailed olingo or simply olingo, is an intriguing arboreal mammal belonging to the Procyonidae family and native to Central America. It is the largest among the olingo species, easily identifiable by its long, bushy tail and brown or grey-brown fur with yellowish underparts. Adult olingos typically measure between 36 to 42 centimeters in length, excluding the tail, which adds an additional 38 to 48 centimeters. Their average weight ranges from 1.2 to 1.4 kilograms.

These animals inhabit regions from Nicaragua through Costa Rica and western Panama, with occasional sightings in Honduras and Guatemala. They favor montane and tropical moist forests at elevations between 1,000 to 2,000 meters, avoiding plantations and secondary forests. Recent studies have enhanced our understanding of the olingo genus, identifying four distinct species, with the northern olingo being the most notable.

Northern olingos are nocturnal and primarily frugivorous, feeding on fruits, particularly figs, and occasionally consuming nectar. They may also prey on small mammals such as mice and squirrels. Although they are predominantly solitary, they are often observed in pairs, indicating a potential for greater social interaction than previously recognized. These adept climbers use their tails for balance, though their tails are not prehensile like those of kinkajous. Breeding typically occurs during the dry season, with a gestation period of about ten weeks. In captivity, northern olingos can live up to twenty-five years.

Their predators include jaguarundis, ocelots, tayras, and various species of boas. Northern olingos possess a unique vocalization and share many dietary and habitat preferences with kinkajous. However, during periods of food scarcity, larger animals may displace them from their preferred habitats.