Main Characteristics

Bushy-Tailed Olingos have a body length between 36 and 42 cms (14 - 16.5 inches), a tail length between 37 and 49 cms (14.5 - 19.5 inches) and they weigh between 0.9 and 1.5 kgs (2 - 3.25 lbs).

They are light brown in colour with a pale coloured underside. Their hands and feet have a strong grasp and they have a long, bushy, non-prehensile tail.

They are able to move around with great skill and agility through the branches of trees and they look similar to kinkajous.

Habitat

Bushy-Tailed Olingos are found in the rainforests of Central and northern South America. They are mainly arboreal and rarely venture to the ground. They lead a solitary lifestyle, except during the breeding season, and are active at night.

Diet

Bushy-Tailed Olingos mainly feed upon fruit but they will also eat insects, small birds, small mammals and nectar.

Breeding

During the breeding season Bushy-Tailed Olingos call loudly to each other and after a gestation period of 73 - 74 days, one young is born. At birth they weigh approximately 55 g (1.9 oz) and their eyes are closed.

By the time they are 1 month old their eyes have opened and weaning begins at 2 months. They reach sexual maturity at 21 - 24 months old.

Predators

Predators of Bushy-Tailed Olingos include jaguars, snakes and humans.

Subspecies

There are four subspecies of Bushy-Tailed Olingo:

Bassaricyon gabbii siccatus
Bassaricyon gabbii orinomus
Bassaricyon gabbii medius
Bassaricyon gabbii richardsoni

Interesting Facts

Bushy-Tailed Olingos are also known as:
Gabbi's Olingo

The Bushy-Tailed Olingo was the first species of Olingo to be discovered.