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Binturong

The Binturong, also known as the Asian Bearcat, the Palawan Bearcat, or simply the Bearcat, is a species of the family Viverridae, which includes the civets and genets. It is the only member of its genus. The binturong is not a bear, and the real meaning of the original name has been lost, as the local language that gave it that name is now extinct. Its natural habitat is in trees of forest canopy in rainforest of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.

It is nocturnal and sleeps on branches. It eats primarily fruit, but also has been known to eat eggs, shoots, leaves, and small animals, such as rodents or birds. Deforestation has greatly reduced its numbers.


Binturongs

Binturongs are small mammals indigenous to Southeast Asia.

Binturong Classification:

Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Viverridae
Genus: Arctictis
Species: Binturong

Other Names: Asian Bearcat, Bearcat, Palawan Bearcat, Malay Civet Cat,

Binturongs in Foreign Languages:

Indonesian:
binturung
Malay: binturung
Navajo: tsinlátahgi dlo´'iitsoh
Russian: binturóng


Binturongs

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

Species: There are 9 recognized species of binturong.

Size: A binturong's body measures 2-3 feet in length, and has a tail with a similar length of 2-3 feet. Binturongs weigh between 30-60 lbs. Female binturongs are approximately 20% larger than their male counterparts.

Habitat: Binturongs are found in Southeast Asia in the tropical rainforest. Binturongs are currently found in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Behavior: Binturongs are primarily nocturnal and arboreal.

Description: Binturongs have long, shaggy black or dark brown hair, long white whiskers around their nose, and a long prehensile tail.

Diet: Binturongs primarily eat fruit, but will also eat eggs, shoots, leaves, small invertebrates, fish, and birds.

Communication: Binturongs are vocal and make a series of sounds.

Did You Know?

Despite their nickname, Bearcat, Binturongs are not bears or cats at all.

Gestation: Binturongs carry their young for 84-92 days.

Birth: Binturongs usually have litters of 1-2 but can have as many as 6 kits in a litter. Binturongs weigh approximately 5 ounces at birth.

Sexually Mature: Binturongs sexually mature around the age of 3.

Life Span: Binturongs live up to 20 years in the wild, and can exceed that in captivity. Binturongs are vulnerable due to habitat loss and degradation.

Did You Know?

Some people think binturongs smell like buttered popcorn.

Binturong Gifts

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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