Binturong
CONSERVATION STATUS:
Vulnerable
Binturong Facts
SCIENTIFIC NAME:
Arctictis binturong
LIFE SPAN:
up to 20 years
SIZE:
WEIGHT:
30-50 pounds
DIET:
Binturongs are omnivores, meaning that they eat both plants and animals. Their diet is composed mainly of small mammals, birds, figs, and other fruits.
PReDATORS:
The binturong does not have any known predators, except for humans. This means that the binturong is an apex predator because it has no predators.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
The binturong, also known as the Bearcat, is a long and heavy predator with short legs. Their ears are short and rounded, with a white outline and tufts of black fur. Binturongs have thick and coarse, or rough, black fur. Both male and female binturongs have scent glands that make them smell like popcorn or corn chips. It also has a very thick tail, padded paws, and long claws that help them to grip onto tree branches.
BEHAVIOR:
The binturong is mainly arboreal, mean that it spends most of its time in trees. They are skilled climbers and acquire most of their food from the trees. They are also mainly nocturnal, meaning that they sleep during the day and hunt and forage during the night. The seeds that they eat from food are spread in the forest by the binturong’s poop. The binturong also uses its tail for communication and balance. Binturongs are usually shy unless provoked, and then they will become aggressive and will begin to growl when harassed.
THREATS:
The binturong is an apex predator, so it is not prey to any animals in its habitat. However, deforestation from logging has severely dropped the number of binturongs in the wild. Deforestation has fragmented the binturong’s habitat, making it harder for members of the species to mate and hunt. Also, binturongs are kept as pets in many Asian countries and their furs are traded frequently.
How can you Help?
Learn everything you can about Binturongs and share with others.
Don’t use palm oil products. Production of palm oil destroys binturong habitats.
Help prevent deforestation.
Don’t eat exotic animal products.
Conserve water.
