Binturong

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

The Binturong, which is the Malay name for "bear cat," is a carnivore related to the palm civets. It looks like a large shaggy mongoose. The hair on its tail is longer than that on the body, and tufts of long hair sprout from the backs of the ears. The fur is black sprinkled with brown or grey on the tips of the hairs. The long whiskers, the ear tufts, and sometimes the face are white.

Binturongs measure up to six feet in overall length, and weigh up to 30 pounds.

DISTRIBUTION and HABITAT:

Binturongs are found mainly in the high forests from the central Himalayas through Burma and Malaya to Sumatra and Java. They are seldom seen, however, being nocturnal, very retiring, and almost perfectly camouflaged. They live in the treetops of old jungles, or occasionally in dense secondary forests that spring up after the jungle has been destroyed.

BEHAVIOR:

During the day the binturong lies up in the treetops, curling up with its head tucked under its tail. Although mainly nocturnal, it sometimes comes out and can be seen sunning itself stretched out on a branch. Its eyes contract, like those of cats, to a vertical slit during the day.

When binturongs descend to the ground they hop awkwardly. However in the trees they are excellent climbers, although their movements are usually slow and deliberate. They can walk upside down hanging from branches with the use of their prehensile tail.

Although reputedly tame, binturongs can be aggressive when cornered. If provoked sufficiently they have a very powerful bite. Otherwise they challenge an aggressor with a low growl followed by an explosive spit and violent movements of the body.

DIET:

Binturongs eat more plant food than is usual for carnivores. They eat a large amount of fruit and other plant matter, as well as birds, small mammals, fish and also carrion. In the Zoo they are fed bananas, apples, papayas and high protein dog chow, trace minerals, and water free choice.

REPRODUCTION and GROWTH:

Little is known about breeding habits of the binturong in the wild, although the young are apparently born in a cavity in a tree trunk or in a cave. In zoos 2-3 young are born in a nesting box. They are weaned at eight weeks, coming out of the nest box when ten weeks old. Life spans for captive binturongs range from 14-18 years.

COMMUNICATION:

When moving about, the binturong may periodically utter a series of low grunts or a hissing noise.