binturongs

Binturongs, also known as bearcats, are small, arboreal mammals native to Southeast Asia. They are the only living members of the family Arctictidae, which is closely related to the bears. Binturongs are characterized by their long, bushy tails, which are typically longer than their bodies, and their distinctive black and white fur patterns. They have a stocky build, with a short muzzle and large, round ears. Binturongs are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of fruits, insects, small vertebrates, and even carrion.

Binturongs are solitary animals, except during the mating season. They are territorial and use scent marking to communicate with other binturongs. They are also known to be quite vocal, using a variety of calls to communicate with each other. Binturongs are primarily nocturnal, spending most of their time in the trees, but they are also known to come down to the ground to feed or to avoid predators.

Binturongs are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and hunting. They are protected in many countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Conservation efforts for binturongs focus on protecting their habitats and reducing human-binturong conflict. Binturongs are also popular in the pet trade, which has led to a decline in their wild populations.