binturong, (Arctictis binturong), catlikeomnivore of thecivet family (Viverridae), found indenseforests ofSoutheast Asia. Its range extends fromNepal,India, andBhutan southward to the Indonesian islands ofSumatra andJava and eastward toBorneo. It has long shaggyhair, tufted ears, and a long, bushy, prehensile tail. The colour generally is black with a sprinkling of whitish hairs..

The head and body measure about 60–95 cm (24–38 inches) and the tail an additional 55–90 cm (22–35 inches); weight ranges from about 9 to 14 kg (20 to 31 pounds). The binturong is principally nocturnal and crepuscular (that is, active during twilight). It is found most often among thetrees, using its prehensile tail as an aid in climbing. It feeds mainly onfruit, such asfigs, but it also takeseggs and smallanimals. In some areas binturongs are tamed and have been reported as being affectionatepets.

Binturongs are classified as avulnerablespecies by theInternational Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. Despite the largegeographic range of the species, binturongpopulations have been declining since the 1980s. Ecologists have noted that population losses inIndonesia andMalaysia are the product ofdeforestation and theconversion of many lowland habitats tooil palm plantations, whereas in the northern parts of their geographic range the losses stem fromhabitat loss combined withhunting pressure.

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