Binturongs are truly incredible animals, and at Babby Farms, they are one of our favorites! Also known as “bearcats” due to their unique appearance, which looks like a combination of a small black bear and a cat, its scientific name is Arctictis, which literally translates to “bear-weasel.”
Where Are Binturongs Found?
Native to South and Southeast Asia, they can be found in a large range of countries, including India, China, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and many more. They are only found in tall forests, as they are arboreal, meaning they live in trees. Unfortunately, the binturong is classified as a Vulnerable animal and is rarely seen in the wild. Due to deforestation and the degradation of its natural habitat, as well as its frequent capture for the wildlife trade, skins, and even as a food delicacy, the binturong is generally well-protected by many countries. Luckily, it is common in zoos and the legacy of the binturong will continue for many years to come.
What Do Binturongs Look Like?
Most closely related to the African palm civet, the binturong belongs to the same family as the mongoose, although it is the largest member of the family Viverridae. In fact, while the length of the binturong from head to tail base is 28-33 inches long, its tail is nearly as long, measuring an average of 26-27 inches! Captive binturongs tend to be even larger than their wild counterparts. Generally, females can weigh more than 50 pounds and males more than 70 in captivity, about twice as much as binturongs found in the wild. They are also the only Old World (meaning animals that come from Europe, Asia, and Africa) animals that have a prehensile tail. These long, strong appendages act as a fifth arm for the binturong, similar to a monkey, and allow them to grasp branches as they climb through the trees. Binturongs are covered in thick, coarse black hair – and one of the most interesting things about bearcats is that they naturally smell like popcorn or corn chips!
Binturongs Are Unique Animals
While naturally a solitary animal, it is not uncommon to see binturongs in family groups. Males and females generally mate for life and will remain together to care for their young. The female is the dominant member of these groups and will communicate to her brood using her tail as well as a range of sounds. They can wail or scream when agitated, but these animals are also known to make a clicking or chuckling sound that indicates happiness, almost like a purr. Binturongs are neither diurnal nor nocturnal, meaning they can be active any time during the day or night. However, they love taking long naps, and will do so while curled up in trees with their tails wrapped tightly around their bodies. Being omnivorous, the binturong feasts on small mammals, birds, fish, and insects as well as fruits, for which they are natural seed dispersers. Without the binturong, the strangler fig in particular would struggle to survive, as the binturong is one of the few animals in its habitat that can get through the seed’s tough covering.
Babby Farms Binturongs
With big bodies and even bigger personalities, bearcats are incredible animals that love to climb, cuddle, and play. There’s nothing quite like a snuffly kiss from this whiskery animal or watching them flop down on their favorite toy and grapple with it like a dog with a toy. Binturongs have a special place in our hearts at Babby Farms, and once you see them for yourself, you’ll understand why! Come visit us this year and get to know our binturongs: Baloo, Bagheera, and Buddha.