Binturong
Arctictis binturong
     
   

       

                Geographical Range:  
                                 The Binturong can be found in the dense forest regions of India and Indochina and 
                                     down  through Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Burma, 
                                     and Palawan.

                Physical Characteristics:  
                                 Measuring 2 to 3 feet in length, with over half their length being in tail, the binturong 
                                      is covered with black, coarse hairs with a speckled gray head and long white 
                                      whiskers. It, along with the kinkajou (Potos) are the only two carnivores with 
                                      a prehensile tail. With it's short legs and bear-like walk, it is commonly referred to 
                                      as the bearcat.

                Diet:  
                                Mainly a fruit-eater, but it is carnivorous to to its ability to capture and eat birds, small 
                                      mammals, and even fish. Binturongs have been observed catching fish in the 
                                      river waters they swim in. They will also eat carrion when available.

                Reproduction:  
                                Binturong usually mate twice during the year, once in February and April, and the 
                                      other in July through November. This is not deemed seasonal mating, but just 
                                      the times they have been known to copulate. Binturongs have a gestation peroid of 
                                      90 to 92 days with the average size litter being 2 to 3 cubs. Females reach sexual 
                                      maturity around 30 months old, with males maturing around 27 months. The       
                                      average lifespan of a binturong is not specifically known, but specimens have 
                                      been recorded in captivity for living up to 22 years. 

                Habitat:  
                                Binturongs are arboreal animals that live in tropical and subtropical forests of S.E Asia.

                    Interesting facts:  
                                Binturongs are arboreal animals that either live alone or in a female-dominated group 
                                      with their offspring. They also have scent glands which are more commonly used to 
                                      attract potential mates rather than show them it's territorial boundaries. They have 
                                      also been domesticated as pets in the past, but at the same time, in some countries 
                                      they are deemed a culinary delicacy. Binturongs are also helpful to nature in other 
                                      ways, including fruit seed dispersal and pest control (since they do eat rodents).    

Links for more binturong information:

                         For additional information:
                                  Contact the: Small Carnivore TAG Education Liaison

This page was created by Heather Einreinhof and Zack H. Enos, 
Pensacola Junior College ZooTech Students, Spring 2000/ Fall 2001