Endangered Ark

Binturong

Arctictis binturong

3 of Clubs

Art by Roman ‘Mbala’ Ženka

http://zenka.net

USA

The binturong, or ‘bearcat’ as it is commonly known, is a tree-dwelling denizen of southeast Asia. Neither a bear nor a cat, the binturong is more closely related to civets, genets and linsangs. The binturong is one of only two carnivores in the world with a prehensile tail (the other being the kinkajou). This talented, muscular appendage is of great use to the binturong; it is a great tool for balance and grip while climbing and can even act as a safe anchor while it sleeps.

Binturongs generally live alone or in small family groups headed by a dominant female. Baby binturongs are known as ‘bintlets’, but there is no known term for a group of them.

The unique musk of the binturong is said to smell a lot like popcorn, corn chips, or corn bread. Communicating heavily based on scent, binturongs have glands at the base of their tail and even on the bottom of the feet. As it moves through its treetop territory, it leaves a message for other binturongs.

Pressure on binturongs comes mainly from two sources – hunting for the medicinal trade and habitat destruction due to deforestation for lumber and agriculture.