Bassaricyon gabbii
olingo

Brassaricyon gabbii is typically found from Nicaragua to Bolivia, where it is locally abundant and it is sparsely distributed in the western Amazon basin. (Kays, 2000; Nowak, 1999)

Bassaricyon gabbii is found in evergreen forests, and on forest edges. It prefers the upper canopy of the forest and is rarely seen on the ground. Bassaricyon gabbii is found at elevations from sea level to 2,000 m. (Nowak, 1999; Pontes and Chivers, 2002)

Bassaricyon gabbii measures 350 to 470 mm long, with a tail length of 400 to 480 mm. These animals weigh between 970 and 1,500 g. The pelage can range from grey-brown to yellowish. Faint bands are visible on the tail. It has small rounded ears and a flattened head. Both males and females have similar body size. ("Mammals of Iwokrama", 1999; Nowak, 1999)

The breeding system of this species has not been reported. Males are reported to be intollerant of one another in captivity, so it is unlikely that females have multiple mates. (Nowak, 1999)

Breeding in B. gabii is reported to be aseasonal. Gestation lasts approximately 73 to 74 days. At the end of gestation a single offspring is born. Young are altricial, and like most carnivores, are born with their eyes closed. Birth weight is around 55 g. By about 27 days of age, the eyes of the young have opened. Solid food may be consumed as young as 2 months of age. By 21 to 24 months of age, B. gabbii has reached sexual maturity. (Nowak, 1999)

Male parental care has not been reported for these animals. Females, like females of other mammalian species, take care of infants, providing them with milk, grooming, and protection. Young begin to consume solid food by about 2 months of age, and weaning probably occurs shortly thereafter. It is not known how long the young stay with their mothers, but, as with most carnivores, which must learn how to hunt for prey, young B. gabbii probably have some post-weaning association with their mothers. (Nowak, 1999)

Not much is known about longevity in B. gabbii. Captive ones have been recorded living as long as 25 years. The lifespan in the wild is thought to be no more than 10 years. ("Mammals of Iwokrama", 1999; Nowak, 1999)

Bassaricyon gabbii is a nocturnal and arboreal animal. It is usually seen alone, but groups as large as six have been seen feeding together in large fruit trees. BBassaricyon gabbii, known commonly as an olingo, avoids kinkajous (Potos flavus), since the closely related kinkajous will chase them out of trees. Because they are nocturnal, olingos do not compete directly with most primates. (Kays, 2000; Pontes and Chivers, 2002)

The home range size for these animals has not been reported.

It is thought that B. gabbii communicates with conspecifics using sound. Olingos also have glands on either side of the anus that that are used in scent marking. The function of this scent marking may be to attract members of the opposite sex, or to mark territory. Because they are mammals, it is likely that visual signals, such as body posture, are used in some instances. Tactile communication is undoubtedly of importance between rivals, mates, as well as between mothers and offspring. (Kays, 2000; Nowak, 1999)

Bassaricyon gabbii feeds on fruits, nectar, flowers, insects, and small vertebrates. It is primarily a frugivore and prefers to feed in fruit trees. However, it is reported to consume considerably more meat in captivity than Potos flavus, and actively hunts warm-blooded animals. (Nowak, 1999; Kays, 2000; Nowak, 1999; Pontes and Chivers, 2002)

The predators of B. gabbii are snakes and large cats like the jaguar (Panthera onca). Humans are known to kill them, but not for food. ("Mammals of Iwokrama", 1999; Nowak, 1999)

Bassaricyon gabbii is a minor seed disperser. In addition, this species may affect populations of small vertebrates upon which it preys, as well as those of large carnivores which prey upon it. It is a known competitor of Potos flavus, and is probably an indirect competitor with many diurnal primate species which feed on fruits. ("Mammals of Iwokrama", 1999; Kays, 2000; Nowak, 1999; Pontes and Chivers, 2002)

Bassaricyon gabbii is not known to have any direct economic importance to humans. (Nowak, 1999)

Bassaricyon gabbii can eat fruit being grown commercially, but its population is so sparse that it does not constitute a major threat to crops. (Pontes and Chivers, 2002)

Deforestation of B. gabbii habitat is reducing the population, but no exact numbers are known. The species is listed on Appendix III of CITES in Costa Rica. IUCN lists the species as Lower risk. ("IUCN Red list of Threatened species", 2002; Kays, 2000; Pontes and Chivers, 2002)

Five species of the genus Bassaricyon are currently recognized by most authorities. However, some think that these five species should be demoted to the rank of subspecies of a single species. (Nowak, 1999)

Natives of the Amazon consider the olingos dangerous and kill them on sight. (Pontes and Chivers, 2002)