You may not know this animal… because it was discovered only last year! The first new carnivore discovery in 35 years.
The olinguito is the first new carnivore to be discovered in the western hemisphere in 35 years.
Where did they find the animal?
In the forests of Colombia and Ecuador. Its species name refers to its cloud forest habitat: neblina means fog or mist.
Well, actually, they didn’t find the first one there.
The first one was found in a box of pelts in a museum in Chicago. DNA tests on the pelt identified the animal.
The pelt was found by eco group SavingSpecies in La Mesenia Reserve, Columbia.
Can you tell what common animal is a close relative of the olinguito?
The racoon.
The olinguito is much smaller though. How big?
At most, around 35 cm–just over a ruler’s length.
The species is endangered due to logging in the Colombian and Ecuadorean forests.
The olinguito lives in trees. It has good claws and padded feet to cling and grip to branches.
Olinguito: Interesting Facts About the Species
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