Binturong

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*This page is under renovation and all information may not be up-to-date or complete*

Description

Binturongs have a face like a cat and the body of a bear. They have semi-retractable claws and a prehensile tail, which acts as a fifth limb for climbing.

Range & Habitat

Binturongs can be found throughout Southeast Asia from China and Indonesia to the Philippines and India. They live in the upper tree canopy of tropical and subtropical rainforests.

Behavior

Also known as bearcat, binturongs are active in the evening, preferring to sleep on branches for much of the day. When cornered they can be vicious and will utter a high pitched wail. When happy, they make chuckling sounds. Binturongs give off a scent that smells like buttered popcorn, and wave and brush their tails against trees and branches to announce their presence to other animals.

Diet

Binturongs mainly feed on fruit but will also eat birds, rodents, fish, insects, eggs, reptiles, plants, and leaves. Binturong are important animals for seed dispersal, and they are able to slice through seeds with tough outer shells using their strong paws and sharp claws.

Conservation

Deforestation have greatly reduced their numbers in the wild.

Fun Facts

• Binturongs are primarily arboreal, but they do descend to the ground
• Binturongs can turn their ankles 180 degrees so their claws can still grip when climbing down a tree headfirst.

Virginia Zoo Animals

Male: Tasik (born: 1/23/2001)