Binturong

The binturong, also known as the bearcat, is a viverrid native to South and Southeast Asia. It is uncommon in much of its range, and has been assessed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List because of a declining population trend that is estimated at more than 30% since the mid-1980s. Binturongs are also called bearcats, but that name is rather misleading since they are not related to bears OR cats. Instead, they are related to civets and fossas but look more like gigantic dust mops and smell like a freshly made batch of popcorn! Researchers have ferreted out why the binturong, a threatened Southeast Asian mammal also known as the bearcat, smells like popcorn. The culprit is 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, or 2-AP, the same molecule that gives cooked popcorn its aroma. Researchers led by Christine M. Drea of Duke University and Thomas E. Females will indicate to males that they are ready for mating by purring. After a pregnancy of approximately 3 months, the female gives birth, usually to 1 – 3 offspring, although as many as 6 have been recorded.

Mass: 24 – 71 lbs (Female, Adult, In captivity)

Gestation period: 91 days

Length: 2.3 – 2.8 ft. (Adult, Without Tail)

Trophic level: Herbivorous

Conservation status: Vulnerable (Population decreasing)

Scientific name: Arctictis binturong

Tail length: 2.2 – 2.3 ft. (Adult)