Binturong

Class: Mammals

Order: Carnivora

Family: Viverridae

Weight: 9–20 kg

Body length: 60–96 cm, tail length – 50–84 cm

Coloration: Binturongs have thick, shaggy black fur with hints of brown or grey. Their long, prehensile tail is covered in fur and helps them grip branches. Their small, rounded ears have distinctive white tufts, and their face may have lighter markings.

Age of sexual maturity: 2–3 years

Gestation period: 90–92 days

Lifespan: up to 18 years in the wild, up to 25 years in captivity

Habitat: Binturongs inhabit the forests of Southeast Asia, including countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. They prefer dense tropical forests but can also be found in mangroves and bamboo thickets.

Diet: Binturongs are omnivores, feeding on fruits, leaves, small animals, insects, and birds. They are particularly fond of figs and can sometimes eat eggs or carrion.

Did you know?

• Binturongs, also known as “bearcats,” have a prehensile tail that acts as a fifth limb, allowing them to easily navigate through the treetops.
• They have a unique smell often compared to buttered popcorn, which comes from scent glands near their tails. This scent is used to mark their territory.
• Despite being classified as carnivores, binturongs primarily eat fruit and are important seed dispersers in their ecosystems.
• Binturongs are nocturnal and spend much of their time resting in trees during the day. They are excellent climbers and are rarely seen on the ground.
• These animals are solitary by nature, but sometimes they can be found in small family groups. In captivity, they are known to form bonds with their keepers due to their curious and intelligent nature.