Commonly known as a “bearcat” the Binturong is neither cat nor bear! In fact, they are not even closely related to either animal. The Binturong is most closely related to a civet, being a part of the Viverridae family.
While they aren’t related, they have a face that resembles a cat, and a body that looks like a bear’s, giving them their popular common name of “bearcat”.
The binturong’s geographical range is South and Southeast Asia, living in forest habitats. Their strong, prehensile tail allows them to grab onto branches and climb high into the trees of their natural habitat. The Binturong is a solitary animal that does not enjoy the company of other binturongs. They spend most of their time alone, climbing trees and finding food.
They have a very versatile diet, as omnivores they eat both plants and small animals including things like fish, small rodents, and birds. With their love of fruits and vegetables, they are important species for seed distribution.
However, as their population declines there are less binturongs to help scatter seeds in their natural habitats. In the wild, the binturongs’ population has been decreasing since the early 1980s, and have been assessed as “Vulnerable” according to the IUCN Red List.
The reason for their decline in population can be linked to the human disturbance in their natural habitats. With deforestation being popular in the native habitats for this species, their population has decreased about 30% since the mid-1980s. Their other main threat is wildlife trading. In some countries, like the Philippines and Vietnam, they are a delicacy and often used in meals or for trading.
Zoos, like Wild Wonders, have been an important safety net for these animals. The binturongs are important animal ambassadors, advocating for conservation in their native habitats. The six binturongs at Wild Wonders are no exception. Making a great addition to our family and educating so many of our visitors.
