Binturongビントロング

Arctictis binturongVU— Vulnerable

The binturong, sometimes called the bearcat, is a large, shaggy-coated civet of South and Southeast Asian rainforests, known for its muscular prehensile tail and a musky scent that smells remarkably like popcorn. It is omnivorous but especially reliant on figs, and its ability to digest and disperse fig seeds makes it an important keystone species in its forest habitat. Logging, habitat conversion, and hunting have driven population declines, and the IUCN classifies it as Vulnerable.

Binturong (reference photo)
Photo: Tassilo Rau / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Source / cropped

Species Data

Classification
Carnivora / Viverridae Source
Size
Head-body length about 61–97 cm, tail about 56–89 cm
Weight
About 9–20 kg
Diet
Omnivore Omnivorous with a fruit-based diet, especially fond of figs; also eats insects, birds, small mammals, fish, and earthworms
Activity
Nocturnal and crepuscular; rests in tree hollows and similar spots during the day
Distribution
The binturong is native to South and Southeast Asia, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, southern China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, inhabiting lowland forests from sea level up to 3,000 meters. Source
Sources
ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org

Did You Know?

  • The binturong has a long, muscular, prehensile tail that can grip branches, and it often rests curled up with its tail wrapped around its body and head tucked beneath it. Source
  • Binturongs are famous for a musky scent resembling popcorn or corn chips, likely caused by the volatile compound 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline found in their urine. Source
  • Binturongs are among the few animals able to scarify the tough outer coating of fig seeds, making them a keystone species for dispersing strangler figs. Source

Where to See This Species

Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 8

Utsunomiya DoubutsuenTochigiAbout 5 minutes from the Utsunomiya IC on the Tohoku Expressway; free parking for 1,000 cars.

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Kumamotoshi DoushokubutsuenKumamotoTake the tram bound for Kengun and get off at the Doshokubutsuen-Iriguchi stop, then walk 10 minutes.

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Noichi Zoological Park of Kochi PrefectureKochiA 20-minute walk or 13-minute rental-bicycle ride from Noichi Station on the Tosa Kuroshio Railway Gomen-Nahari Line.

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Hirakawa ZooKagoshimaAbout a 20-minute walk from Goino Station on the JR Ibusuki-Makurazaki Line, or take a bus bound for Taniyama / Dobutsuen from Fukuhira Nokyo-mae to the last stop.

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Shuunanshitokuyama DoubutsuenYamaguchiOpened in 1960

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Naganoshichausuyama DoubutsuenNaganoThe nearest station is JR Shinonoi Station.

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Fukuoka Zoo & Botanical GardenFukuokaOpened in 1953

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Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical GardensAichiOpened in 1937

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Former facilities

North Safari SapporoHokkaidoOpened in 2005

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Closed: 2025-09-30 Official Site

Latest news

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Conservation Story

Conservation Status

Vulnerable (VU)

Sources

ja.wikipedia.org

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FAQ

Why does the binturong smell like popcorn?
Its musk glands and urine contain the compound 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, the same aromatic compound partly responsible for popcorn's smell. Source
What is special about the binturong's tail?
It is long, muscular, and prehensile — able to grip branches like a fifth limb — which is rare among carnivorans and helps the binturong move confidently through the treetops. Source
Why is the binturong considered Vulnerable?
Forest degradation from logging and conversion to plantations, along with hunting for meat, skins, and the illegal pet trade, have driven population declines across its range. Source
How many operating facilities are registered here?
Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 8 Source

Books & gear

Source: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org