Binturong

Binturong Latest News

A rare Binturong was recently captured on a camera trap set up by the Wildlife Trust of India’s Garo Green Spine project team in the Narang Wari Village Reserve Forest (VRF), located in the buffer zone of Balpakram National Park.

About Binturong

• It is a catlike omnivore of the civet family.
• It is the largest civet in India, colloquially known as the bearcat.
• Scientific Name: Arctictis binturong

Binturong Distribution

• It is found in dense forests of Southeast Asia.
• Its range extends from Nepal, India, and Bhutan southward to the Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Java and eastward to Borneo.

Binturong Features

• The head and body measure about 60–95 cm and the tail an additional 55–90 cm; weight ranges from about 9 to 14 kg (20 to 31 pounds). 
• It has long, shaggy hair, tufted ears, and a long, bushy, prehensile tail. 
• The colour generally is black with a sprinkling of whitish hairs.
• It is principally nocturnal and crepuscular (that is, active during twilight). 
• It is found most often among the trees, using its prehensile tail as an aid in climbing. 
• It has scent glands, which are located just under its tail. These glands are used to mark trees and foliage to outline an individual’s territory. 
• Binturong Conservation Status:
  • IUCN: Vulnerable
  • Wildlife Protection Act of 1972: Schedule I
  • CITES: Appendix III

Key Facts about Balpakram National Park

• It is situated in the West Garo Hills district of the north-eastern state of Meghalaya, about 134 km away from the capital of Shillong. 
• It is known as the "Land of Perpetual Winds" due to strong winds that blow across the plateau.
• It is also close to the international boundary of Bangladesh.
• It has been declared a National Park since 1987.
• Lying at an altitude of nearly 3,000 ft. above sea level, it covers an area of more than 200 sq. km. 
• There is a deep gorge in Balpakram that is often compared to the Grand Canyon in the United States of America.
• According to the Garos, a local tribe of this region, South Garo Hills is believed to be the final resting place of dead spirits, adding a mystical charm to its rugged terrain.
• Flora: Among the plants, very rare species like Pitcher Plants (Nepenthes Khasiana), Orchids and Drosera flourish abundantly in the park.
• Fauna: 
  • Elephants and Tigers are the flagship of the park. 
  • Hillock Gibbons, the only ape species found in India can be seen here. 
  • Other animals found in the park are Deer, Great Indian Hornbill, Pheasant, Wildcats, Wildcows, Wild buffalo, Leopards etc. 

Binturong FAQs

Q1. What is another common name for the Binturong?

Ans. Bearcat

Q2. Where is the Binturong commonly found?

Ans. Dense forests of Southeast Asia

Q3. What is the status of elusive binturong in IUCN?

Ans. Vulnerable

Source: HUBN