Overview
Distribution
Range Description
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Geographic Range
Arctictis binturong is found in dense forests ranging across northeastern India, Indochina, Indonesia, Thailand, Burma, Malaysia, Sumatra, Bangka, the Rhio Archipelago, Java, Borneo, and Palawan (Ewer 1973; Kleiman 1974; Wemmer and Murtaugh 1981; Macdonald 1987; Nowak 1991).
Biogeographic Regions: oriental (Native )
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Physical Description
Morphology
Physical Description
Average mass: 12250 g.
Average basal metabolic rate: 12.747 W.
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Type Information
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Mammals
Sex/Stage: Unknown;
Preparation: Skin
Collector(s): W. Abbott
Year Collected: 1905
Locality: Nias Island, Sumatra, Indonesia, Asia
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Ecology
Habitat
Habitat and Ecology
fact the number of pictures coming up on camera-traps across its mainland range reveals an unexpectedly high level of ground activity. This is no doubt because it is heavy and ponderous, and where other animals would leap between trees, it must descend to the ground to go from one tree to another, i.e. quite often when commuting (Than Zaw et al. in press).
The ecology of this species is poorly clarified and may vary between areas, as publications about activity are conflicting. Grassman et al. (2005) noted the binturong to be crepuscular and nocturnal and Nowak (1991) reported them to be predominantly nocturnal, whereas Nettelbeck (1997) reports them to often be active during the day, and there are many other day-time field sightings made incidentally during forest research (e.g. Lambert 1990; Datta 1999). Activity patterns have also been described as cathemeral or arrhythmic (Than Zaw et al. in press).
In Thailand, Grassman et al. (2005) found that this species has a mean annual range size of 6.2 km² with a mean overlap of 35% in a study on this species conducted in Phu Kieo Wildlife Sanctuary. Within this range, the binturong is confined to tall forest, where it feeds on fruits and small animals like insects, birds, and rodents, as well as fish (Lekagul and McNeely 1977). In Lao PDR, recent records are from extensive evergreen forest, while in other countries a variety of tall forests are used (Duckworth et al. 1999). In the Philippines, the species is found in primary and secondary lowland forest, including grassland/forest mosaic from sea level to 400 m (Rabor 1986; Esselstyn et al. 2004). It was recorded in secondary forest, that was logged in the 1970s, and which surrounds a palm estate, in Malaysia in 2000-01 by Azlan (2003).The litter size is about one to three, with a gestation of 92 days, reaching adult size in one year, and they may live as long as 18 years (Lekagul and McNeely 1977).
Systems
- Terrestrial
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Habitat
Arctictis binturong are arboreal animals that live in dense forests (Ewer 1973; Kleiman 1974; Wemmer and Murtaugh 1981; Macdonald 1987; Nowak 1991).
Terrestrial Biomes: rainforest
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Trophic Strategy
Food Habits
Most sources agree that A. binturong is frugivorous (probably the most frugivorous of all Paradoxurinae), but it is known to take carrion, small invertebrates, fish, birds, eggs, leaves, and shoots (Ewer 1973; Kleiman 1974; Macdonald 1987; Nowak 1991).
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Life History and Behavior
Life Expectancy
Lifespan/Longevity
Average lifespan
Status: captivity: 22.7 years.
Average lifespan
Status: wild: 18.0 years.
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Lifespan, longevity, and ageing
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Reproduction
Reproduction
Nowak (1991) indicates that breeding is not seasonal, however Ewer (1973) and Wemmer and Murtaugh (1981) note that parturition occurs most frequently between February and April, with additional bouts in July and November. Gestation lasts 90-92 days and litter size averages between two and three cubs (Ewer 1973; Wemmer and Murtaugh 1981). The mean age at which females first copulate and conceive is 30.4 months (Wemmer and Murtaugh 1981).
Copulatory behavior is similar to that observed with felids -- females initiate copulation, there is no copulatory lock, and the female exhibits a reclined mating posture (Wemmer and Murtaugh 1981). This posture is presumably related to the risks of mating in trees, because it imparts stability to the mating pair (Wemmer and Murtaugh 1981). In addition, during a mount the male's pelvis is sometimes elevated but the curvature of the spine is not pronounced (Wemmer and Murtaugh 1981). At the Conservation and Research Center in Front Royal, Virginia, neckbiting by males was not seen and females often grasped the male's torso or tail base with her tail to secure him in the mounted position (Wemmer and Murtaugh 1981).
Average birth mass: 318 g.
Average gestation period: 92 days.
Average number of offspring: 2.
Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male)
Sex: male: 840 days.
Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female)
Sex: female: 925 days.
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Conservation
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List Assessment
Red List Category
Red List Criteria
Version
Year Assessed
Assessor/s
Reviewer/s
Contributor/s
Justification
History
- 1996Lower Risk/least concern
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Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: vulnerable
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Trends
Population
Work in Thailand by Nettelbeck (1997) suggested that binturongs can be seen frequently when the threat of hunting is removed; however, as hunting is common in most areas, it is unclear whether the observed is only applicable to the site where this observation was noted (near Khao Yai National Park headquarters in Thailand). Grassman et al. (2005) recorded 31 individuals in Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary in Thailand between 1998 and 2002. In the Philippines, the populations are restricted and uncommon (Heaney et al. 1998). Populations are thought to be decreasing as a result of collection for the pet trade. In Assam, India, the binturong has been noted as not uncommon in forested areas, and is most common in regions with good tree cover (Choudhury 1997).
Population Trend
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Threats
Threats
In the Philippines this species is harvested for the pet trade, and in the south of its range it is also taken for human consumption (GMA Philippines 2006). In Lao PDR, this species is one of most frequently displayed caged live carnivores and skins are traded frequently in at least Vientiane (R. Tizard pers. comm.). Since many of the animals being traded are young, there is the possibility that trees are deliberately felled to allow individuals to be caught (I. Johnson pers. comm.. 1996). Considered a delicacy in parts of Lao PDR, the binturong is taken for food and is also traded as a food item to Viet Nam (I. Johnson pers. comm. 1999).
Given recent camara ?trapping evidence in mainland Asia, it has become clear that the binturong descends to the ground more frequently than previously thought (Duckworth pers. comm. 2007); therefore the threat of snaring when this species descends to the ground may be more serious than previously considered (Duckworth et al 1999). Non-specific hunting of large mammals is very high across most of the species' mainland range. Duckworth (1997) speculated that hunting was unlikely to be the cause of the few recent sightings of binturong in Lao PDR, citing the many Black Giant Squirrels and gibbons in several areas lacking Binturong records. However, given the possibility of interspecific differences in population dynamics, these species may likewise have differing resilience to hunting pressure (Duckworth et al. 1999). Given that the binturong is relatively unafraid of humans and is sometimes active during the day, the species is often conspicuous both to surveyors (suggesting that the few encounters reflect a low population) and to hunters (thus exposing it to elevated risk) (Duckworth et al 1999).
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Management
Conservation Actions
The binturong occurs in protected areas across its current range, however, the effectiveness of these reserves at protecting the species is variable. Stricter enforcement of legislation against hunting, poaching, encroachment, habitat degradation, and deforestation is required to achieve the necessary protective status for this species.
This species has been recorded from several studies in protected areas, such as the following examples. A study of the range, habitat use, and activity patterns of this species was conducted by Grassman et al (2005) in Phu Kieo Wildlife Sanctuary in Thailand (16° 05? to 16° 35? N, 101° 20? to 101° 55 E). It has also been studied in Khao Yai National Park in Thailand by Nettelbeck (1997) and Austin (2002). This species has been recorded recently in Nam Kading National Biodiversity Conservation Area in Lao PDR (Duckworth et al, 1999. This species was recorded from Jerangau Forest Reserve in Peninsular Malaysia in 2000-01 (04° 55.5? N, 103° 05.7? E; Azlan 2003), and Krau Wildlife Reserve (Laidlaw 2001).
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Relevance to Humans and Ecosystems
Benefits
Economic Importance for Humans: Positive
Binturong can be easily domesticated and kept as pets (Nowak 1991) but they are also valued as a culinary delicacy and as a medicinal source (CPT 1997). Ecologically, they are considered an important seed disperser due to their frugivorous diet, and because they occasionally eat rodents, they also serve as a form of predator control (CPT 1997).
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Wikipedia
Binturong
The binturong (Arctictis binturong), also known as the Asian bearcat, the Palawan bearcat, or simply the bearcat, is a species of the family Viverridae, which includes the civets and genets. It is the only member of its genus. The binturong is not a bear, and the real meaning of the original name has been lost, as the local language that gave it that name is now extinct.[3] Its natural habitat is in trees of forest canopy in rainforest of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.[1]
The binturong is nocturnal[4] and sleeps on branches. It eats primarily fruit, but also has been known to eat eggs, shoots, leaves, and small animals, such as rodents or birds. Deforestation has greatly reduced its numbers. It can make chuckling sounds when it seems to be happy and utter a high-pitched wail if annoyed; when cornered, it can be vicious. The binturong can live over 20 years in captivity; one has been recorded to have lived almost 26 years.[citation needed]
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Physical
Being burly and omnivorous, the binturong is sometimes compared to a bear, but is closer in size to a large domestic cat. Its average length is usually between 60–96 cm (24–38 in), and average weight ranges between 9–14 kg (20–31 lb), although some exceptional individuals have been known to weigh 22 kg (49 lb) or more. Its body is covered with coarse and thick black fur. It has lighter or silver fur on its face, to make it appear larger to other animals. The tail, bushy and fully prehensile, can act as a fifth hand and is nearly as long as the animal's own length. Binturongs are the only carnivore with a prehensile tail. The ears of the binturong are small and rounded, and it has small eyes. Males are 20% larger than females.
Reproduction
The estrous period of the binturong is 81 days, with a gestation of 91 days.[5] The binturong is one of approximately 100 species of mammal believed by many husbandry experts to be capable of embryonic diapause, or delayed implantation, which allows the female of the species to time parturition to coincide with favorable environmental conditions. Typical birthing is of two offspring, but up to six may occur.
The average age of sexual maturation is 30.4 months for females and 27.7 months for males. Fertility lasts until 15 years of age.[5]
Behavior
The binturong climbs trees and leaps from branch to branch, using its tail and claws to cling while searching for food. It can rotate its hind legs backwards so that its claws still have a grip when climbing down a tree head first.
The binturong also uses its tail to communicate, through the scent glands located on either side of the anus in both males and females. The females also possess paired scent glands on either side of the vulva.[6] The scent of binturong musk is often compared to that of warm buttered popcorn[3] and cornbread. The binturong brushes its tail against trees and howls to announce its presence to other binturongs.
Binturongs have an average annual range of 6.2 km2 (2.4 sq mi) and travel about 688 m (2,257 ft) per day.[7]
The Orang Asli of Malaysia keep binturong as pets.
Ecological significance
The binturong is an important animal for seed dispersal, especially those of the Strangler Fig, because of its ability to scarify the seed's tough outer covering.[8]
Subspecies
Six subspecies are recognized (A. b. albifrons, A. b. binturong, A. b. kerkhoveni, A. b. memglaensis, A. b. penicillatus, and A. b. whitei).[1] The Palawan binturong (A. b. whitei) of the Philippines is vulnerable due to habitat destruction and poaching for its medicinal uses, its fur and its demand in the pet trade.[9]
References
- ^ a b c Wozencraft, W. Christopher (16 November 2005). "Order Carnivora (pp. 532-628)". In Wilson, Don E., and Reeder, DeeAnn M., eds. Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2 vols. (2142 pp.). pp. 549. ISBN 978-0-8018-8221-0. OCLC 62265494. http://www.bucknell.edu/msw3/browse.asp?id=14000273.
- ^ Mustelid Specialist Group (2008). Arctictis binturong. In: IUCN 2008. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 2008-10-15.
- ^ a b "Mammals: Binturong". Zoological Society of San Diego. http://www.sandiegozoo.org/animalbytes/t-binturong.html. Retrieved 2007-10-17.
- ^ San Diego Zoo
- ^ a b Wemmer, Chris; James Murtaugh (May, 1981). "Copulatory Behavior and Reproduction in the Binturong, Arctictis binturong". Journal of Mammalogy (American Society of Mammalogists) 62 (2): 342–352.
- ^ Story, H. Elizabeth (Feb., 1945). "The External Genitalia and Perfume Gland in Arctictis binturong". Journal of Mammalogy (American Society of Mammalogists) 26 (1): 64–66.
- ^ Grassman, Lon I., Jr.; Michael E. Tewesa, Nova J. Silvy (2005). "Ranging, habitat use and activity patterns of binturong Arctictis binturong and yellow-throated marten Martes flavigula in north-central Thailand". Wildlife Biology 11 (1): 49–57. doi:10.2981/0909-6396(2005)11[49:RHUAAP]2.0.CO;2.
- ^ "Meet the animals- Binturong". Carnivore Preservation Trust. http://www.cptigers.org/animals/species.asp?speciesID=1. Retrieved 2008-07-13.
- ^ Widmann, P., De Leon, J. & Duckworth, J.W. (2008). "Arctictis binturong ssp. whitei". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2010.4. International Union for Conservation of Nature. http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/41690. Retrieved June 09 2011.
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