New in 2019: Fifi and Bangka, the binturong couple
Where do they live?
South and Southeast Asia (China, India, Bangladesh, Laos, Vietnam, Nepal, etc.)
Did you know?
Easily domesticated and docile, binturongs are at the heart of animal trafficking for the pet trade. They are also killed for their meat that is considered a delicacy by local populations.
A mammal from Southeast Asia, the binturong looks like a half-cat, half-bear, although binturongs are not closely related to either of these two animals. The nickname "bearcat" comes from the way the animal walks with their soles flat on the ground like a bear, and from the shape of its head and the way they reproduce, which resembles a cat.
The binturong is an omnivorous, tree-dwelling species. It feeds on small insects and fruit, preferably rich in carbohydrates.
It is found mainly in the forests of south and Southeast Asia. However, deforestation has reduced the binturong's natural habitats.
Body length
60 to 90 cm.
Length of the tail
60 to 90 cm.
Weight
9 to 14 kg.
Life expectancy
18 years in captivity.
Litters
2 per year.
New in 2019
They just arrived this year!.
Keep up hope
The binturong population has decreased by more than 30% over the past 30 years. The main threats are deforestation and hunting, but the fur and pet trades also contribute to the population decline. Better enforcement of anti-poaching and habitat degradation laws must be put in place to protect the declining species. The binturong is part of the European breeding programme (EEP). This programme was created to safeguard animal species. It aims to promote reproduction of endangered species with a long-term goal of reintroducing the animals in the wild.
