Binturong

Binturong is a medium-sized mammal, also known as a bearcat, of the Viverridae family.

Binturong
Table of Contents

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.

 


Update Icon
Latest UPSC Exam 2026 Updates

Date IconLast updated on June, 2026

UPSC Prelims Result 2026 is now out.

UPSC IFoS Prelims Result 2026 is now out.

→ Enroll in Vajiram & Ravi’s UPSC Mains Test Series 2026 for structured answer writing practice, expert evaluation, and exam-oriented feedback.

→ Join Vajiram & Ravi’s UPSC Mentorship Program 2026 for personalized guidance, strategy planning, and one-to-one support from experienced mentors.

→ Join Vajiram & Ravi’s UPSC Mentorship Program 2027 for personalized guidance, strategy planning, and one-to-one support from experienced mentors.

UPSC Prelims Provisional Answer Key 2026 out for GS Paper 1 and CSAT.

UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2026 Out, Download GS Paper 1 PDF conducted on 24th May 2026.

UPSC Mains 2026 will be conducted from 21st August 2026 onwards, and UPSC Prelims 2027 will be held on 23rd May 2027.

UPSC Final Result 2025 is now out.

→ UPSC has released UPSC Toppers List 2025 with the Civil Services final result on its official website.

Anuj Agnihotri secured AIR 1 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025.

UPSC Notification 2026 & UPSC IFoS Notification 2026 is now out on the official website at upsconline.nic.in.

UPSC Calendar 2027 has been released.

→ Check out the latest UPSC Syllabus 2026 here.

→ The UPSC Selection Process is of 3 stages-Prelims, Mains and Interview.

Shakti Dubey secures AIR 1 in UPSC CSE Exam 2024.

→ Also check Best UPSC Coaching in India

Vajiram Content Team
Vajiram Content Team
UPSC GS Course 2026
UPSC GS Course 2026
₹1,80,000
Enroll Now
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
₹2,45,000
Enroll Now
UPSC Mentorship Program
UPSC Mentorship Program
₹85000
Enroll Now
UPSC Sureshot Mains Test Series
UPSC Sureshot Mains Test Series
₹19000
Enroll Now
Prelims Powerup Test Series
Prelims Powerup Test Series
₹14000
Enroll Now
Enquire Now