BINTURONG
Class: Mammals
Order: Carnivora
Family: Viverridae
Genus: Arctictis
Species: Binturong
Geographic distribution: Southeast Asia
Habitat: Large forests with little human degradation
Size: 120 to 180 cm long
Longevity: 20 years
Weight: 9 to 24 kg
Sexual maturity: 2 to 3 years
Gestation: 3 months
Litter: 1 to 4 pups
Diet: Omnivore, fruit, rodents, birds, etc.
Protection status: IUCN CR status – Vulnerable
Description
Thanks to its powerful front legs and long claws, the binturong climbs trees with ease and moves nimbly over branches. Its prehensile tail, which it uses to cling to branches, enables it to keep its balance and avoid falling. Surprisingly, the binturong has a distinctive popcorn-like odor, due to a chemical compound in its urine. This odor plays an essential role in communication between individuals.
Threats and preservation
Binturong populations have declined by over 30%in 30 years due to deforestation, wildlife trade,and hunting. ABConservation, the only NGO dedicated to their protection, conducts field research, particularly in the Philippines, to better understand their behavior and ecology. This data helps develop targeted conservation strategies. The organization also works with local communities to promote forest and species conservation.
