Bassaricyon

Bassaricyon is a genus of small, tree-dwelling mammals in the family Procyonidae, commonly known as olingos. They are native to tropical forests of Central and South America and are related to raccoons, coatis, and kinkajous. Members of Bassaricyon are generally slender, with long tails and soft fur, adapted to an arboreal lifestyle. They are primarily nocturnal and solitary, though they may form small family groups during breeding.

Ecology and behavior: Olingos are omnivorous, feeding on a mix of fruits, nectar, leaves, insects, and occasionally small vertebrates. They rely on tree canopies for shelter and foraging, using vocalizations, scent marking, and agility to navigate through dense forest.

Distribution and habitat: The range of Bassaricyon spans tropical forests from parts of southern Central America into the Andean and western Amazonian regions of South America. They occupy a variety of forest types, including lowland rainforests and montane cloud forests, often at mid to high elevations where dense vegetation provides cover.

Taxonomy and notable species: The genus has undergone taxonomic revisions, with several species commonly referred to as olingos. A major highlight was the description of the olinguito, Bassaricyon neblina, in 2013 after extensive genetic, morphological, and ecological study, establishing it as a distinct species and the first new carnivore named in the Americas in decades. Other Bassaricyon species have been recognized in various regional classifications, though exact species counts can vary with new research.

Conservation: Habitat loss and forest fragmentation pose ongoing threats to many Bassaricyon species. Some populations persist in protected areas, but overall conservation concerns remain for several members of the genus due to deforestation and habitat degradation.