The binturong or bearcat is neither a bear nor a cat. The Binturong is a type of large civet or omnivorousus midsize mammal whose family include Mongoose and Meercat. Binturongs are cat-sized animals native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia, specifically Thailand, Malasia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Binturongs are very endangered nocturnal animals. They are distinguished by their long, fluffy tails and small, round ears. They have a dull black or brown color.
The Binturong in its Natural Habitat
The binturong is very in Southeast Asia as a result of the widespread habitat destruction. Binturongs live almost solely in treetops (their sharp, curved claws make them expert climbers). Poachers often hunt for the binturong as well because their body parts are used in traditional Chinese medicines. The poor food situation in the region causes the local peoples to hunt the Binturong as well.
On a side note, the Binturong smells strongly of popcorn, which is the scent it uses for territory markers. It is also, strangely enough, the mascot of Binghamton University. There are no Binturongs native to New York.
popcorn? now that was an incredibly cool fast fact! Now the smell of popcorn instantly causes me hunger.. it’s a good thing I don’t wander those forests. I hope they work on the poaching and forest issues concerning this guy.
By: aullori on May 1, 2008
at 7:25 pm
I know it is a concern for us here about poaching, but the choice for many of these people is feeding a family or saving an animal. The choice is clear. We need to fix this global hunger problem before we can really tackle any conservation. So although I don’t condone the hunting of these animals, I can understand it.
By: scienceguy288 on May 1, 2008
at 11:51 pm
I have not even heard of these things before! Great animal and thanks for the info on this great mammal!
By: mon@rch on May 2, 2008
at 12:17 am
This is a new animal for me too. I smell microwave popcorn frequently around here.
By: Ruth on May 2, 2008
at 12:43 am
@ mon@arch: Glad you enjoyed the post.
@Ruth: I try to post about animals which most people have not heard of.
By: scienceguy288 on May 2, 2008
at 1:29 pm
Where did you get this information? A lot of it is incorrect.
It is popularly believed that binturongs spend most of their time in trees but they actually cannot jump or climb from branch to branch so they spend most of their time on the ground, walking between trees and then climbing up only when they need to.
Also, not all binturongs are noctournal. There is quite a bit of evidence of binturongs in the wild who are awake during the day and sleep at night.
Lastly, according to the IUCN, Binturongs are listed as Threatened, not Endangered, and certainly not very endangered. Habitat destruction is affecting their environment but they are still a very widespread creature throughout Asia.
You should check multiple, reliable sources before you post information; not everything you read is necessarily true.
Thanks,
Makedonka Dimitrijeska
Cincinnati Zoo Staff and Educator
By: Mary Dimitrijeska on February 15, 2009
at 7:19 pm
The binturong is also the mascot of the University of Cincinnati–a much larger institution than Binghamton–don’t know how you missed that one!!
By: Mary Dimitrijeska on February 15, 2009
at 7:20 pm
Well, since I am currently at Binghamton University, it seems rather obvious that I would mention that one. I had no knowledge of Cincinnati’s mascot until now.
By: scienceguy288 on February 15, 2009
at 7:29 pm
You got me on the fact that it is threatened not endangered. I thank you for the update. But, the other two points you bring up are debatable. First off, according to all of the sources I could find, binturongs do leap or climb from tree to tree. They are awkward on the ground and therefore do not spend too much time there. Also, perhaps there are examples of binturongs being diurnal, but I could not find a source that credits them with this. Everything I read about this animal states that they are largely nocturnal.
Thanks.
By: scienceguy288 on February 15, 2009
at 7:33 pm