Binturong

Source: The Civet Project

Binturong (Arctictis binturong) are distributed across South and South-East Asia, mostly in primary and secondary forests. They are the largest member of the Viverridae family and can measure up to 5.25ft (160cm) from their nose to the tip of their tail. In fact, their tail is one of their most impressive features! Binturong are the largest mammal in the world with a prehensile tail- which means they can use their tail as a fifth limb. Their tail aids them in a semi-arboreal lifestyle, predominantly feeding on fruits, particularly the Fig tree. Binturongs have been identified as a key seed disperser for this species and others, giving them an essential role in forest regeneration. Binturong activity is still a mystery, with a combination of nocturnal, crepuscular and diurnal sightings, demonstrating their elusive nature. This elusiveness continues, as they spend the majority of their lives in solitude. There is currently limited scientific knowledge on their wild reproductive and social behaviours. 

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Unfortunately, due to their large size and more terrestrial nature, binturongs are targeted by many industries. Snaring is prolific within their range, and binturongs are at greater risk than more arboreal civets. They are Illegally captured for processing larger amounts of civet coffee, meat, fur and traditional medicine. The traditional medicine is likely extracted from the musk they produce, which requires painful and cruel techniques. 

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Binturong are listed as Vulnerable to Extinction by the IUCN, and are decreasing, which means their trade is strictly regulated. Unlike common palm civets and masked palm civets, it is illegal to capture and sell binturong into the civet coffee or wild meat industries and permits are required to keep them in captivity. However, this continues, due to their large size, they are illegally used for civet coffee, meat, fur, traditional medicine, and the pet trade. Other threats to Binturongs include habitat loss and degradation, as they generally need continuous forest. Fragmentation of existing habitat also further exposes them to illegal hunting and capture, as they descend to the ground more than other civets, they are especially at risk of snaring.

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Binturong are most well known for their role as zoo ambassadors. Of all the civet species in the world, they are the most commonly represented Viverrid species in zoos globally. If you visit a binturong at a zoo, you'll notice that they smell like popcorn- a unique scent produced by their perennial glands which they use for scent marking their territory.

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The Civet Project is working to Reverse The Red on Binturong decline, by raising awareness of their plight and collaborating with other organisations to aid their wild populations.