Name:
Binturong
Scientific name:
Arctictis binturong
State:
Least concern
Scientific classification:
Animal Kingdom
Edge: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Viverridae
Subfamily: Paradoxurinae
Gender: Arctictis
Species: A. binturong
General information:
The bearcat is also known by the names of Asian bearcat, Palawan bearcat, or simply bearcat. It is a nocturnal creature from Southeast Asia, often dwelling high in trees for both sleeping and eating. It has been known to make a laughing sound and reportedly smells like a batch of freshly made popcorn. Although listed as a “Least Concern” animal, the binturong has come under sustained pressure. Deforestation has reclaimed much of its natural habitat, and in some parts of its range it is listed as “vulnerable” or “endangered”. It is also hunted as a culinary delicacy and for medicinal purposes, where it is commonly used as an aphrodisiac.
Physical description:
In size, the binturong resembles that of a small dog. It has an average length of 2 to 3 feet, with an additional tail length of another 2 to 3 feet. It usually weighs between 30 and 60 pounds. The binturong has thick black fur, small, rounded ears, and a long, busy tail. Along with the kinkajou, the binturong is the only carnivore with a prehensile tail, which it uses as a kind of “fifth hand”. Females are generally 20% larger than males.
Diet:
Binturong are known to eat a variety of foods, including fish, birds, eggs, leaves, plant shoots, small inverted shoots, and even carrion. Despite the diversity of its appetite, the binturong is frugivorous and feeds mainly on fruits.
Habitat:
The binturong resides in the forests of Southeast Asia, roaming high in the trees. It sleeps in the branches during the day and is active at night. It can be found in areas of Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia (including Java, Sumatra, and Borneo), Burma, India, Thailand, and Palawan.
Reproduction:
The binturong is one of approximately 100 mammals capable of delaying implantation. This allows the female to time birth under favorable environmental conditions. This means that mating can occur at any time during the year. And although breeding is not seasonal, parturition (birth) has been observed to occur most frequently between February and April, with additional periods in July and November. Gestation lasts for a period of about 91 days, after which 2 to 3 cubs are usually born. The binturongos reach sexual maturity around 840 days.