binturong
Sign in to saveThe binturong (Arctictis binturong) (; ), also known as the bearcat, is an arboreal viverrid native to South and Southeast Asia. It is the only species in the genus Arctictis, but is further divided into nine subspecies. It has long, thick hair, primarily dark in appearance, but can also have a whitish speckled pelage. It is unique in morphology with its popcorn-scented musk glands, and its long, bushy, prehensile tail.
AI overview
The binturong, also known as the bearcat, is a tree-dwelling mammal native to South and Southeast Asia that stands out for its distinctive features, including a long prehensile tail and musk glands that produce a popcorn-like scent. While there is only one binturong species, it is divided into nine subspecies and has long, thick dark fur that may be speckled with white.
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Wikidata facts
Show 6 more facts
- P2974
- shrubland
- P5872
- popcorn
- P9714
- Serang
- P105
- species
- P141
- Vulnerable
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Article
13 sectionsContents
- Etymology
- Taxonomy and evolution
- Characteristics
- Distribution and habitat
- Ecology and behavior
- Diet
- Predation and defensive adaptations
- Reproduction
- Threats
- Conservation
- In captivity
- References
- External links
The binturong (Arctictis binturong) (; ), also known as the bearcat, is an arboreal viverrid native to South and Southeast Asia. It is the only species in the genus Arctictis, but is further divided into nine subspecies. It has long, thick hair, primarily dark in appearance, but can also have a whitish speckled pelage. It is unique in morphology with its popcorn-scented musk glands, and its long, bushy, prehensile tail.
The binturong is a nocturnal omnivore, feeding on plants, insects, and smaller mammals. Females are able to enact delayed implantation, where a fertilized egg is not attached to the uterine walls until external conditions are ideal. The major threats to the binturong include habitat loss and forest degradation, as well as illegal hunting and trading. It has been assessed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.