The binturong is a shaggy, black, tree-dwelling mammal of Asian rainforests. It is an important disperser of fig seeds and one of the most unusual members of the civet family.
Interesting facts
- It is sometimes called the bearcat, but it is related to civets, not bears or cats.
- It is one of only two carnivores with a prehensile tail that can grip branches.
- Binturongs help strangler figs grow, because seeds germinate better after passing through their gut.
- They move slowly and carefully through the canopy.
- They mark branches with scent as they travel.
- Binturongs are captured for the pet trade and for meat.
Behaviour
Binturongs are mostly nocturnal and spend almost all their time in trees, using their tail as a fifth limb. They often rest curled up in the canopy during the day.
Breeding and young
After about three months, females give birth to one to three young. Females can delay implantation so that young are born when food is plentiful.
Threats and conservation
Deforestation, hunting and capture for the pet trade and for use in the production of civet coffee.
Where to see it
- Taman Negara National Park, Malaysia (night walks)
- Danum Valley, Sabah, on night drives
- Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand
- Palawan, Philippines
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
