Binturong
I.U.C.N status
International Union for Conservation of Nature
Identity card
Fruits, rodents, birds...
Did you know?
The binturong, thanks to its powerful front paws and long claws, climbs easily into trees and moves nimbly along branches. Its prehensile tail,
which it uses to grip branches, allows it to maintain its balance and avoid falls. Surprisingly, the binturong gives off a distinctive smell
of popcorn, due to a chemical compound in its urine. This scent plays an essential role in communication between individuals.
Threats and conservation
Binturong populations have dropped by more than 30% over 30 years due to deforestation, the wildlife trade, and hunting. ABConservation, the only NGO dedicated to their protection, conducts field research, particularly in the Philippines, to better understand their behaviour and ecology. This data is used to develop conservation strategies. The association also works with local communities to promote the preservation of forests and their species.
