Procyonidae

From Free net encyclopedia

{{Taxobox | color = pink | name = Procyonidae | image = Procyon lotor 2.jpg | image_width = 225px | image_caption = Common Raccoon | regnum = Animalia | phylum = Chordata | classis = Mammalia | ordo = Carnivora | familia = Procyonidae | familia_authority = Gray, 1825 | subdivision_ranks = Genera | subdivision = Bassaricyon
Bassariscus
Nasua
Nasuella
Potos
Procyon }} Procyonidae is a family of Carnivora which includes the raccoons, coatis and others.

There is considerable uncertainty over the correct classification of several members. The Red Panda was previously classified in this family, but some experts, including Don E. Wilson and DeeAnn M. Reeder, classify it as a member of the bear family (Ursidae) or in its own family the Ailuridae. The status of the various olingos is disputed: they may all be better regarded as subspecies of Bassaricyon gabbi.

Because of their general build, the Procyonidae are often viewed as smaller cousins of the bear family. This is apparent in their German names: a raccoon is called a Waschbär (washing bear, as he "washes" his food before eating), a coati is a Nasenbär (nose-bear) while a Kinkajou is a Honigbär (honey-bear). Dutch follows suit, calling the animals wasbeer, neusbeer and rolstaartbeer respectively.

de:Kleinbären eo:Procionedoj fr:Procyonidae he:ראקוניים lt:Meškėniniai nl:Kleine beren oc:Procyonidae pl:Szopowate pt:Procyonidae ru:Енотовые sv:Halvbjörnar

Retrieved from "http://www.netipedia.com/index.php/Procyonidae"