Olinguito facts for kids
The Olinguito (say "oh-ling-GHEE-toh") is a super cute, newly discovered mammal that looks a bit like a mix between a house cat and a teddy bear! Its scientific name is Bassaricyon neblina. This amazing animal belongs to the Procyonidae family, which also includes familiar animals like raccoons.
Scientists officially announced the Olinguito's discovery on August 15, 2013. A mammal expert at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History found some old specimens (samples) of this animal in storage. By using DNA testing, they were able to confirm it was a brand new species never before known to science!
Quick facts for kids Olinguito |
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Bassaricyon
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B. neblina
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Contents
Where Olinguitos Live: Their Home in the Clouds
Olinguitos live in a special kind of place called a cloud forest. These forests are high up in the mountains, often covered in mist and clouds. This makes them very damp and full of unique plants.
You can find Olinguitos in the cloud forests stretching from central Colombia all the way to western Ecuador. Scientists have even found four different types, or subspecies, of the Olinguito!
Olinguito Life: What They Eat and Do
What Olinguitos Eat
The Olinguito is mainly a frugivore. This means it loves to eat fruit! Its diet mostly consists of yummy fruits found in its cloud forest home.
When Olinguitos Are Active
Olinguitos are also nocturnal. This means they are most active at night, when many other animals are sleeping. They spend their nights looking for food and exploring their forest.
Olinguito Reproduction
Olinguitos are usually solitary animals, meaning they prefer to live alone. When it comes to having babies, a female Olinguito typically gives birth to just one offspring at a time.
Images for kids
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Bassaricyon neblina, illustrated by Nancy Halliday, 2013
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Distribution of sampled Bassaricyon neblina subspecies
See also
In Spanish: Olinguito para niños
