Binturong (Arctictis binturong)

Description of the animal

Appearance

The binturong is a large, heavy mammal with a long, bushy tail, almost as long as its body. It has thick black fur, a short muzzle, and small rounded ears. Interestingly, binturongs smell like buttered popcorn due to a compound in their urine.

Distribution

Binturongs are found in the rainforests of Southeast Asia, including parts of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Habitat

They primarily inhabit dense tropical rainforests, both in the lowlands and the mountains. They are arboreal, spending most of their time in the trees.

Behavior

Binturongs are solitary and nocturnal creatures. They are one of the few mammals with a prehensile tail, using it as a fifth limb when climbing.

Diet

They have an omnivorous diet, eating fruits, leaves, birds, eggs, insects, and small vertebrates.

Reproduction

There is little seasonality in their reproduction. Females can have two litters a year, with usually one or two offspring per litter.

Threats

Binturongs are threatened by habitat destruction due to deforestation and by hunting for their meat and fur. They are also captured for the pet trade.