The Binturong (Arctictis binturong) lives in South-east Asia. Despite all its other names like 'Asian Bearcat', 'Malay Civet Cat', 'Palawan Bearcat' or 'Bearcat', it is actually a species of civet. Due to habitat destruction and poaching for its fur or for medicine, the Binturong is endangered. They are nocturnal and sleep on branches. They are slow moving arboreal animals feeding mainly on fruit. Interesting fact: The scent of Binturong musk smells like warm popcorn and cornbread.
Another interesting fact: Female Binturongs are believed to be capable of timing the birth of their young, called 'Embryonic diapause'.
photo taken by: Tassilo Rau, licensed under GFDL
Which zoos have them?
Artis (Netherlands), Brookfield Zoo (United States), Edinburgh Zoo (United Kingdom) and Minnesota Zoo (United States)The Bearcat, binturong is listed as Least Concern (LR/lc), lowest risk. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category, on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Countries
Bhutan, Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand and VietnamSome facts about the
Binturong
Adult weight : 12.25 kg (26.95 lbs)
Maximum longevity : 27 years
Female maturity :925 days
Male maturity : 840 days
Gestation : 92 days
Weaning : 79 days
Litter size : 2
Litters per year : 2
Interval between litters : 348 days
Weight at birth : 0.318 kg (0.6996 lbs)
Weight at weaning : 2.1 kg (4.62 lbs)
Basal metabolic rate : 13 W
Body mass : 14.28 kg (31.416 lbs)
Temperature : 36.85 °C (98.33 °F)
