The olinguito (Bassaricyon neblina) is the first mammalian carnivore species to be discovered in the Americas in 35 years, <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2013%2F08%2F15%2Fworld%2Famericas%2Fnew-mammal-smithsonian%2Findex.html" target="_blank">scientists at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington said</a>.
Olinguito, new mammal on the block —
The olinguito (Bassaricyon neblina) is the first mammalian carnivore species to be discovered in the Americas in 35 years, scientists at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington said.
Mark Gurney
Smithsonian scientist Kristofer Helgen spent 10 years studying museum specimens and tracking animals in the wild in the cloud forests of Ecuador. The research led to the discovery of the olinguito as its own species.
Olinguito, new mammal on the block —
Smithsonian scientist Kristofer Helgen spent 10 years studying museum specimens and tracking animals in the wild in the cloud forests of Ecuador. The research led to the discovery of the olinguito as its own species.
Mark Gurney
The olinguito used to be mistaken for the olingo, its sister species. Here is an olingo at the private reserve of Paz de las Aves (Peace of the Birds) near Nanegalito, Ecuador.
Olinguito, new mammal on the block —
The olinguito used to be mistaken for the olingo, its sister species. Here is an olingo at the private reserve of Paz de las Aves (Peace of the Birds) near Nanegalito, Ecuador.
RODRIGO BUENDIA/AFP/GettyImages
This Western lowland olingo (Bassaricyon medius) can be found in the same general geographic area as the olinguito.
Olinguito, new mammal on the block —
This Western lowland olingo (Bassaricyon medius) can be found in the same general geographic area as the olinguito.
P. Asimbaya and L. Velazquez/Finding Species
The olinguito, shown here, is smaller and has a more rounded face than the olingo. Scientists say it is the smallest member of the raccoon family.
Olinguito, new mammal on the block —
The olinguito, shown here, is smaller and has a more rounded face than the olingo. Scientists say it is the smallest member of the raccoon family.
Mark Gurney
Scientists have documented the olinguito in cloud forest habitats in Colombia and Ecuador, but future research could find the species in other South American countries.
Olinguito, new mammal on the block —
Scientists have documented the olinguito in cloud forest habitats in Colombia and Ecuador, but future research could find the species in other South American countries.
Smithsonian
Both the olingo -- shown here -- and the olinguito live in trees.
Olinguito, new mammal on the block —
Both the olingo -- shown here -- and the olinguito live in trees.
RODRIGO BUENDIA/AFP/GettyImages