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Northern Raccoon Mammal Procyonide

procyonid, (family Procyonidae), any of a group of tree-climbing mammals including raccoons, coatis, olingos, New World ringtails, cacomistles, and kinkajou Although all 18 species are classified as carnivores, the procyonids are actually omnivorous and are related to bears (family Ursidae). Indeed, the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and the lesser panda, or red panda (Ailurus fulgens) have been grouped together in the past as procyonids; however, the giant panda is actually a bear, and the lesser panda is the only member of the family Ailuridae. Procyonids inhabit primarily Central America, and only the North American raccoon is widely stocked north of the tropics. Raccoons and some other procyonids are sometimes kept as pets.

Natural History

Raccoons are relatively small animals, with generally slender bodies and long tails, although common raccoons tend to be huge.

Because of their general structure, the family Procyonidae is often considered smaller cousins of the bear family. This is evident in their German names: the raccoon is called Waschbär (wash bear, as it "washes" food before eating), and goth is Nasenbär (bear nose), while kenkaj is Honigbär (honey bear). Dutch follows suit, describing wasbeer, neusbeer and rolstaartbeer respectively. However, procyonids are now thought to be more closely related to bear mustelids. [3]

Due to their carnivorous diet, procyonids have lost some of the carnivorous adaptations found in their carnivorous relatives. Although they have body teeth, they are poorly developed in most species, especially raccoons. In addition to the kinkaj, procyonids have a dental formula:

Dentures

3.1.4.2

3.1.4.2

For a total of 40 years. The kinkajou has a lower laugh in each row:

Dentures

3.1.3.2

3.1.3.2

For a total of 36 years.

They are mostly solitary animals; Mothers usually raise up to four young children alone. [4]

Procyonids are relatively small carnivores that typically weigh from 1 to 12 kg (2 to 26 pounds), depending on the species. Dimensions of the raccoon's body from 30 to 70 cm, the length of the tail from 20 to 70 cm. Coats are generally brown and many species have dark banded facial markings and queuing. The eyes are large and the ears rounded. The tail may be prehensile, as in the kinkajou (Potos flavus), or semi-prehensile and used for balance, as in coatis (genera Nasua and Nasuella). The feet have five toes and are ignored by the fur on the soles of the feet. The long toes allow great dexterity; all species are good climbers, and at least one species, the kinkajou, is arboreal. The claws are short, curved, and non-retractile or semi-retractile. Like bears, procyonids walk on the soles of their feet (plantigrade locomotion), leaving clear footprints on the pad and all toes. Procyonids have 40 teeth, with long canines and small pointed premolars; the molars are large. This dentition is indicative of an omnivorous diet that includes animal flesh, invertebrates, fruits, and grains. Kinkajous are primarily frugivores (fruit-eaters), while other species are opportunistic and consume whatever is available.

Social systems of procyonids vary from large, inconspicuous groupings of animals, as observed in coats, and family groups of raccoons to solitary kinkajous. Males mate with more than one female and most procyoinids breed in the spring. Young are often born in hollow trees, tree cavities, or abandoned farm buildings. Only females provide parental care. With the exception of kinkajous, procyonids do not defend territories, so many animals can occupy a relatively small area. Densities are primarily affected by food abundance, depredation by humans, natural predation, and disease. The highest densities of procyonids occur among raccoons inhabiting urban areas in North America, such as Toronto, Canada, and Chicago, USA.

evolved

Fossils of procyonids thought to belong to the genus Pasaricus, which includes the modern ringtail and cacomistle, have been identified from the Miocene epoch, about 20 million years ago (ma). It has been suggested that the early procyonids were a subspecies of dogs that adapted to a more omnivorous diet. [4] Recent evolution of procyonids has focused on Mesoamerica (where their diversity is greater). [5] They invaded previously isolated South America as part of the Great American Exchange, [6] beginning at 7.3 million since the late Miocene, with the appearance of Cyonasua there. [7]

Genetic studies have shown that Kinkajos are a sister group to all other extant procyonoids; They split off about 22.6 million years ago. [8] The incisors leading to the cots and olangus on the one hand, and the ringtail and raccoon on the other, were separated about 17.7 million years ago..2 million years ago[5] at about the same time that the raccoon and ringtail separated. [5] [6]