The binturong, also known as the bearcat, is a species of mammal that lives in the forests of South and South-East Asia. It has a long, stocky body with comparatively short broad legs. They have wiry black hair with a brown face and white-tipped rounded ears. Females are approximately 20% larger than the males. The binturong has a head-body length of 71-91cm, and a tail length of 56-91cm. The males weigh between 9-20kg and the females weigh between 11-32kg.
Latin Name
Arctictis binturong
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binturong
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Animal Facts
The genus of the binturong is ‘Arctictis’ which means ‘bear-weasel’.
The binturong is an excellent climber but is slow moving so does not leap from branch to branch, instead preferring to move between trees on the ground.
Binturongs are a very vocal species, making ‘purring’ and ‘chuckling’ noises when happy and ‘wailing’ when upset.
The binturong is an important seed disperser for the strangler fig because unlike other animals, it’s digestive system can break through the tough seed shell.
The binturong’s scent glands secrete a substance that smells like popcorn.
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