Facts, Information, Scientific Name of Binturong
In the dense forests, lives an animal that climbs and thrives on trees, resembling a bear and cat with a proven ecological role.
Common name – Binturong
Scientific name – Arctictis binturong (Arkt- Bear, iktis- weasel)
Size – 71cm – 90cm.
Appearance and Ecological importance define the Feeding and dwelling Habits.
This animal appears in a short stout cat-sized body. Dressed in a thick black fur coat which has hints of buff and whitish patches on its fur.
Facial features are slightly like a Bear with black, eyes, round white ears, and nose areas which are also known as a ‘muzzle’ have sharp and short white Bristles.
This Bearcat-like animal has a tail made up of thick fur which is long, tapering or rounded at the end as it is also known for its “Prehensile” feature. It means the tail is the main source for the animal to dwell and climb the trees because of its firm grasp and hold.
Binturong travels through trees with its tail and has a teeth set which includes incisors and two canines which makes binturong an Omnivore for its food preference.
Birds, small mammals like rodents, etc., are the selected meat and Fish and earworms are the occasional meals according to the habitat this animal prefers.
Binturong herbivore diet choice has a great impact on the Fig plant he feeds upon, known as the ‘Strangler fig’. The animal feeds upon the strangler fig and his excreta contains the undigested seed that regenerates in the soil, helping Strangler fig plant growth. Otherwise, this animal also eats Bananas and Apples.
Breeding and Mating Habits –
‘Pantigrade’ is the form of this animal. It means he can walk on two legs like us humans.
Both Males and Females have specialized scent glands that help in detecting each other around.
Males reach the stage of maturity at approximately 30 months of age and females at 27 months. Males and females can mate and sustain the population till 15 years of their life.
Females will give birth to a litter of 1-6 young binturongs after 84-99 days which is around 3 months.
She will nurse and stick around the litter specifically for 6 to 8 weeks but some females prefer to be with the young one until they reach mating maturity, till 2.5 years.
This animal possesses a unique defence strategy when threatened with the help of its musk gland. Musk gland can release a smell similar to popcorn and chips when threatened.
Conservation Status
Binturong’s existence is ‘Vulnerable’ despite having eligibility for mating for 15 years and a life span of 25 years.
The Vulnerable status is due to Habitat loss, Degradation of Forests. This animal is also consumed by Humans and hence also exploited as Wildlife for trade. Although, the conservation efforts proceeded under Wildlife Protection Act, of 1972.
This Bearcat posture, the seed-dispersing unique, unaware animal is celebrated as “World Binturong Day” every year on the second Saturday of May month.
Also See ⇒ Asiatic Black Bear Facts