Binturong

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Binturong[1]

Conservation status
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Viverridae
Subfamily: Paradoxurinae
Genus: Arctictis
Temminck, 1824
Species: A. binturong
Binomial name
Arctictis binturong
(Raffles, 1821)

The Binturong (Arctictis binturong), also known as the Asian Bearcat, the Palawan Bearcat, or simply the Bearcat, is a species of the family Viverridae, which includes the civets and genets. It is neither a bear nor a cat, and the real meaning of the original name is lost, as the local language that gave it is extinct[3]. Its natural habitat is in trees of forest canopy in rainforest of Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Palawan Island.

It is nocturnal and sleeps on branches. It eats primarily fruit, but also has been known to eat eggs, shoots, leaves and small animals, such as rodents or birds. Deforestation has greatly reduced its numbers. When cornered, the Binturong can be vicious. The Binturong can make chuckling sounds when it seems to be happy and utter a high-pitched wail if annoyed. The Binturong can live over 20 years in captivity; one is recorded to have lived almost 26 years.

Contents

[edit] Physical

Its bushy tail is fully prehensile, and acts as a fifth hand. Being burly and omnivorous, the Binturong is sometimes compared to a bear, but is closer in size to a smallish dog. Its average length ranges 60–96 cm (24–38 in), and average weight ranges between 9-14 kg (20–31 lb), although some exceptional individuals have been known to weigh 22 kg (50 lb) or more. The tail is nearly as long as the body with size ranging from 55–90 cm (22–36 in). The ears are small and rounded, and it has small eyes. It has coarse and thick black fur.

[edit] Reproduction

The estrous period of the Binturong is 81 days, with a gestation of 91 days. The Binturong is one of approximately 100 species of mammal believed by many husbandry experts to be capable of embryonic diapause, or delayed implantation, which allows the female of the species to time parturition to coincide with favorable environmental conditions. Typical birthing is of two offspring, but up to six may occur.

[edit] Behavior

Young Binturong kept as a pet by Orang Asli at Taman Negara, Malaysia
Young Binturong kept as a pet by Orang Asli at Taman Negara, Malaysia
A closeup up of a Binturong's head
A closeup up of a Binturong's head

The Binturong climbs trees and leaps from branch to branch, using its tail and claws to cling while searching for food. It can rotate its hind legs backwards so that its claws still have a grip when climbing down a tree head first. The Binturong also uses its tail to communicate, through the scent gland located under it. The scent of Binturong musk is often compared to that of warm popcorn [3] and cornbread.[citation needed] The Binturong brushes its tail against trees and howls to announce its presence to other Binturongs.

The Orang Asli of Malaysia keep Binturong as pets.

[edit] Subspecies

Six subspecies are recognized (A. b. albifrons, A. b. binturong, A. b. kerkhoveni, A. b. memglaensis, A. b. penicillatus, and A. b. whitei).[1] The Palawan Binturong (A. b. whitei) of the Philippines is vulnerable due to habitat destruction and poaching for its medicinal uses, its fur and its demand in the pet trade.[4]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Wozencraft, W. C. (16 November 2005). in Wilson, D. E., and Reeder, D. M. (eds): Mammal Species of the World, 3rd edition, Johns Hopkins University Press, 549. ISBN 0-801-88221-4. 
  2. ^ Mustelid Specialist Group (1996). Arctictis binturong. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 2007-03-06.
  3. ^ a b Mammals: Binturong. Zoological Society of San Diego.
  4. ^ Mustelid Specialist Group (1996). Arctictis binturong ssp. whitei. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 2007-03-06.

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