Thursday, August 15, 2013

New Animal Species Found In South America

A new species of mammal living in the cloud forests of South American's Andes Mountains has been identified, and given the name "olinguito".  The name is derived from that of another species, "olingo", due to its similar appearance and smaller size.  Olinguitos also differ from olingos in fur color and natural habitat, living at elevations ranging from 5,000 to 9,000 feet above sea level.  Weighing about two pounds, the olinguito is smallest known member of the raccoon family.

Read more at the Washington Post, ABC News, the Chicago Tribune, National Geographic and Smithsonian(dot)com.

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