A civet relative of South and Southeast Asian forests, with long black fur and a long grasping tail.
Small rounded ears carry long tufts. The face is somewhat paler than the body, with prominent white whiskers.
Binturongs move through South and Southeast Asian forests with the help of a gripping tail. Usually solitary, they use scent to signal their presence.
A 2016 study analysed urine from 33 binturongs in a U.S. sanctuary. Every sample contained 2-AP, a compound also responsible for popcorn’s aroma.
Urine wets the feet and tail and is left on branches and leaves as the animals move. Deforestation removes habitat and fruit food sources, while hunting for meat and the pet trade adds pressure in some areas.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.
Deforestation removes habitat and major fruit food sources. Hunting for meat and the pet trade are additional threats in some areas.