HABITAT AND RANGE:
Viverrids are an ancient group of
animals found only in the Old World,
ranging from southern Europe,
sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East, India
and most of Southeast Asia (mainland and
islands). Within Southeast Asia,
binturongs can be found in Burma,
Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Sumatra, Java,
Borneo and Palawan. Binturongs live in
tropical and subtropical rain forests,
spending most of their time in the trees
and rarely coming to the forest floor.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
The binturong's tail is as long as its
body (2-3 feet) and is immensely strong
with a small leathery patch at the end
for extra grip; the binturong is the
only Old World mammal with a prehensile
tail. The binturong's face is lighter in
color than its body; binturongs are very
similar in appearance to raccoons,
badgers or wolverines. The binturong
weighs about 25-30 pounds (females
usually weigh about 20 percent more than
males, making it the second-largest
member of the Viverridae family. Its
coat is shaggy and fairly solid black
with white tips. Females' genitals are
similar in appearance to the males.
ADAPTATIONS:
Only members of the viverridae family
have bursae (slitlike pockets along the
edge of the ears, and scent glands). The
binturong's scent glands are located in
such a position that as the animal moves
through the trees, the gland drags on
branches, leaving a trail of scent
behind (the odor is said to be similar
to that of popcorn). Binturongs are
nocturnal with excellent night vision,
good hearing and a sense of smell
reinforced by very long and sensitive
facial whiskers. They are known to be
somewhat playful in the forest.
Binturongs make noises, including
grunts, snorts and snuffling (similar to
bears). Binturongs are often
domesticated because of their
affectionate nature and ability to
eliminate mice, rats and cockroaches
from their owners' homes.
DIET: The
binturong is classified as a carnivore,
though it primarily eats fruit (such as
figs). However, it will also eat
carrion, insects, lizards, eggs, chicks
and rodents. Binturongs swim well enough
to catch fish.
REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT:
The binturong spends most of its
time in small family groups consisting
of mother and young, with the father
around during the training of the
offspring (males teach the young how to
survive in the trees). Binturong usually
mate twice during the year, once in
February and April, and the other in
July through November. Binturongs have a
gestation peroid of 90 to 92 days with
the average size litter being 2 to 3
cubs. Females reach sexual maturity
around 30 months old, with males
maturing around 27 months. The average
life span of a binturong in the wild can
be up to 20 years, which is relatively
long for a small mammal.
STATUS IN WILD:
The binturong is considered endangered
in some parts of its range throughout
Asia.
