Kinkajous (Potos flavus) are small, nocturnal mammals found in Central and South America. They inhabit a range of tropical and subtropical habitats, including:
1. **Rainforests:** Kinkajous are most commonly associated with tropical rainforests, where they can be found in the dense vegetation of both lowland and montane rainforests. They are well adapted for an arboreal (tree-dwelling) lifestyle.
2. **Deciduous Forests:** In addition to rainforests, kinkajous may also occur in deciduous forests, which lose their leaves during certain seasons. These forests can be found in various parts of their range.
3. **Tropical Woodlands:** Kinkajous can be found in wooded areas, such as tropical woodlands and forests with a mix of trees and open spaces.
4. **Mangrove Swamps:** Some kinkajous are adapted to living in mangrove swamps along coastal regions.
5. **Human-Altered Environments:** Kinkajous can adapt to some human-altered environments, including gardens, plantations, and other cultivated areas. They may also inhabit urban areas with suitable tree cover.
Kinkajous are skilled climbers, with a prehensile tail that helps them move through the treetops. They are primarily frugivorous, but they also consume nectar, small mammals, birds, and insects. Their ability to adapt to a range of forested environments and their role in seed dispersal make them important components of the ecosystems in which they live.