BINTURONG
Viverridae
FACTS
-
Head-to-Body Length: 61 to 96 cm
Tail Length: 56 to 89 cm - 9 to 20 kg
- 18 years
- Binturongs are the biggest and heaviest animals of the Viverrids family
- Due to their size and pelage, binturongs are often mistaken for bears. In fact, their genus name (Arctitis) is a combination of arktos- “bear” and iktis- “weasel”, and they are also sometimes known as “bearcat”
- One of the only two Carnivorans to have a prehensile tail, which means their tail can be used to grasp onto branches when they climb
- Primarily fruits, but also small insects, birds, fish, and rodents
HABITAT & DISTRIBUTION
- Primary, secondary, and even logged evergreen forests
- in Vietnam: In mountainous regions throughout the country, but less common in the South
- in the world: Bangladesh; Bhutan; Cambodia; China; India; Laos; Malaysia; Myanmar; Nepal; Philippines; Thailand
THREATS
The Binturong is classified as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List. The primary threats to Binturong are habitat loss and over-hunting.
Binturong is hunted for its meat, for traditional medicines and as pets. Due to their unique appearance, they are usually caged for display and exhibition.
SVW'S WORKS
Mr. B the Binturong is one of the senior residences at SVW’s education center.
He has been with us since he was rescued from a local hotel when he was 14 years old and is now enjoying his 7th year at the rescue center.
Find out more about Mr. B and how to symbolically adopt him.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
ABOUT MR.B
Mr B came to live with us after he was confiscated from a local hotel where he had been kept as an “attraction”. Before he was rescued Mr. B lived in cage just over one square metre in size for 14 years and had lost his innate and instinctive climbing ability. When Mr B first arrived, he only walked on the ground in his new large enclosure. We needed to teach Mr B how to climb, placing bits of food higher and higher in the trees in his enclosure. He now climbs very well and also enjoys the little pool in his enclosure.
