Fauna
Mammal

Northern Olingo

Bassaricyon gabbii

Also known as Bushy-tailed Olingo, Gabb's Olingo, Central American Olingo

Northern olingos are agile, nocturnal tree-dwellers that spend virtually their entire lives navigating the high forest canopy without touching the forest floor. They leap deftly between branches using their long, bushy, non-prehensile tails for balance while foraging for ripe figs and forest fruits. Though primarily solitary, multiple individuals peacefully share rich fruiting trees or travel in loose associations alongside feeding kinkajous.

NocturnalArborealRainforest
Northern Olingo reference1 / 4
(c) Jeremy Gatten, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyFicus figs, Floral nectar, Insects
Predators
  • Ocelot
  • Tayra
  • Spectacled Owl
ThreatsDeforestation, forest fragmentation, and agricultural encroachment
HabitatsTropical moist lowland and montane cloud forests
Life span10–15 years in the wild; up to 25 years in captivity
Classification
  1. FamilyProcyonidae
  2. SpeciesBassaricyon gabbii
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Can inflict a defensive bite or scratch if cornered; observe quietly from canopy walkways or ground level.
Why it is dangerous
Sharp canine teeth and strong claws can produce deep, painful puncture wounds prone to secondary infection.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for a slender, grayish-brown body with a flattened head, large eyes, and a bushy, faintly ringed tail.
What to do
Never attempt to touch or trap wild individuals; maintain distance and use binoculars or telephoto lenses.
Responsible observation
  • Spotting Eyeshine: Scan the high canopy along forest trails after dark with a red-filtered spotlight.
  • Fruiting Trees: Stake out flowering balsa trees or fruiting strangler figs where individuals congregate to feed.
Related species
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