noun
An arboreal nocturnal fruit-eating mammal with a prehensile tail and a long tongue, found in the tropical forests of Central and South America.
Potos flavus, family Procyonidae
‘A large contingent of coatamundis (raccoon-like animals) patrolled the rear arena of the tower hoping for kitchen scraps, and every evening the staff attracted a kinkajou with a banana placed at eye-level spot for our pleased viewing.’- ‘Resembling a cross between a young bear and a monkey the kinkajou is rarely ever seen on the ground.’
- ‘In fact, the combination of traits embodied in the kinkajou make it a rare meal for any predator.’
- ‘Because of their solitary nature, an adult female kinkajou takes full responsibility for caring for her young.’
- ‘During the day, kinkajous generally sleep, often inside of hollowed out trees or laying on limbs of trees.’
Origin
Late 18th century from French quincajou, alteration of carcajou.
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