Binturong (Arctictis binturong)
Binturong (Arctictis binturong)
- Category: Schedule I (Wildlife Protection Act, 1972); Vulnerable – IUCN Red List; Appendix III – CITES
- Range Description: Distributed across Nepal, India, Bhutan, Southeast Asia, including Sumatra, Java, and Borneo.
- Habitat and Ecology: The Binturong, also known as the bear cat or cat bear, is a nocturnal and crepuscular omnivore belonging to the civet family. It dwells in dense tropical forests, mostly arboreal, using its prehensile tail to aid in climbing. Its diet primarily includes fruits like figs, though it also consumes small animals and eggs.
Major Threats and Concerns
- Habitat loss, hunting, and illegal wildlife trade. In some areas, it is illegally kept as a pet and, as recently reported in Manipur, even offered as a prize in raffle draws—raising concerns over enforcement and awareness.
