About Binturong:
- The binturong (Arctictis binturong) is a medium-sized mammal, also known as a bearcat, of the Viverridae family, which includes civets, linsangs and genets.
- Its nine subspecies are the sole occupants of the genus Arctictis.
- They can weigh up to 50 pounds, but most often weigh in at between 25 and 35 pounds.
Range:
- Binturongs live in the rainforests of Southeast Asia.
- Its range extends from Nepal, India, and Bhutan southward to the Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Java and eastward to Borneo.
Prehensile Tail:
- The animals spend most of their time hanging out in the treetops.
- The animal uses its tail—which is almost as long as its body—like a fifth limb as it climbs through the forest.
- This tail is prehensile, which means it’s capable of gripping things.
- The binturong is one of only two carnivores that has a prehensile tail.
- The other is the kinkajou.
Conservation:
- They are classified as a vulnerable species by IUCN.
Last updated on Sep, 2026
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