The Binturong is also called the Palawan Bearcat, Asian Bearcat, Bearcat.
However, it’s neither a bear nor a cat! LOL…It just resembles both of those animals. To me, it looks like a large raccoon species.
It, too, is an arboreal species that is nocturnal – instead of sleeping in a nest of sorts, it simply sleeps on branches of rainforests in Asia, India & Indonesia.
Although it is classified as a carnivore, it is omnivorous! It eats mostly fruit, but has been known to dabble in eating eggs, small animals like rodents and birds, shoots and leaves.
Binturong are known for their happy chuckling sounds and high-pitched wails when annoyed. It also communicates using it’s tail and scent gland.
It has a prehensile tail, meaning it works as a 5th limb or hand. Bearcats are the size of a small dog and has a coat that is thick, coarse and black.
Conservation Status:
The Binturong is considered to be a Vulnerable species in endangerment.
Why?
It’s drastic drop in numbers is mainly due to deforestation in their habitat, and poaching for it’s fur and medicinal uses.
Scientific Classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Viverridae
Subfamily: Paradoxurinae
Genus: Arctictis
Species: A. binturong
Subspecies: There are 6 subspecies of binturong.
Why is This Animal So Important?
It’s the only animal known to be able to eat the seed coating of the Strangler Fig, which is a crucial tree in the rainforest. This means the binturong is very important for seed dispersal.
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I hope you enjoyed this Mammal post on Exotic Animal Lover! Until next time…
Live Exotically,
Kimberly Edwards 
P.S. The Bearcat is a quite popular mascot. In fact, the University of Cincinnati boasts this animal as their mighty mascot! Get a U. of Cincinnati ringtone for your phone:
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Good day! I’d like to know if it is possible to have Binturong as pet? I believe that I can take good care of this beautiful animal(even though I am going to take him away from his natural habitat). Thank you and a pleasant day to you!
Reinier
Hello Reinier…
Well, it all depends on what your city by-laws read, or what your city will approve of you having when it comes to larger exotic pets. You will have to check with the part of the country you live in to see if this is permissible by law. As for acquiring a binturong, I have no idea how you would be able to do that. Possibly, someone will follow up with a response to assist you in this matter.
Thanks for coming by and participating! Kimberly