Asian Bearcat - Arctictis Binturong

The Binturong (Arctictis binturong), also known as the Asian Bearcat, the Palawan Bearcat, or simply the Bearcat, is a species of the family, which includes the civets and Viverridae Genet. It is neither a bear or a cat, and the true meaning of the original name is lost, because the local language that gave it that name is now extinct. Its natural habitat is in the canopy of trees in tropical forests of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

 

It is nocturnal and sleeps on branches. It feeds mainly on fruit, but it is known that eggs, shoots, leaves and small animals such as rodents or birds to eat. Deforestation has reduced its staff. When cornered, can be vicious Binturong. The Binturong can giggle sounds when it seems to be happy and express a sharp cry and irritability. The Binturong can live more than 20 years in captivity, having lived an included almost 26 years.

Physical 

As burly and omnivorous, the Binturong been compared to a bear, but is closer to the size of a big cat. The average length is usually between 60-96 cm (24-38 inches), and the average weight ranges between 9-14 kg (20-31 lb), although some exceptional individuals are known to 22 kg (49 lb) or more roads. His body is covered with coarse black fur and thick. Tail bushy and full surface can act as a fifth hand and is almost as long as the proper length of the animal. The ears are small and rounded Binturong and has small eyes.

Display 

Estrous period of 81 days is Binturong, with a gestation period of 91 days. The Binturong is one of the 100 mammal species thought by many experts to be able to farm for embryonic diapause or delayed implantation, the female of the species to time parturition to coincide with favorable environmental conditions . The birth of two typical, but can occur up to six.

The age of sexual maturation was 30.4 months for women and 27.7 months for men. Fertility lasts up to 15 years.

Behavior 

The Binturong climb trees and jump from branch to branch, using the tail and claws to cling in search of food. It can rotate its hind legs backward so that its claws still a grip while climbing a tree head first.

The Binturong also uses its tail to communicate through the scent glands located on either side of the anus in men and women. The females were also paired scent glands on both sides of the vulva. The smell of musk is often compared with popcorn butter Binturong warm bread. This comparison is made by the zoologist Ron McGill on the Today Show, when he was a Bearcat with other animals. The brushes Binturong its tail against the tree and cries to announce its presence to other binturong.

Binturong have an average number of 6.2 km2 (2.4 square miles) and travel about 688 m (2260 ft) per day.

Ecological importance 

It is an animal Binturong important for seed dispersal, especially of the strangler fig, for its ability to seed the hard outer layer of censorship.

Subspecies 

Six subspecies are recognized (A. b. albifrons, A. b. binturong, b. A. Kerkhoven, A. b. memglaensis, A. b. penicillatus, and A. b. whitei). Binturong Palawan (A. b. whitei) of the Philippines is vulnerable due to habitat destruction and poaching for its medicinal uses, his coat and demand in the pet trade.

Physical 

The binturong Palawan can reach 1.4 meters (4.6 ft). The distinguishing characteristics are the ears that are lined with white fur and long white whiskers that can be as long as the length of the head. Usually docile when handled, the Bearcat sharp claws and teeth, however that can easily tear the flesh. He can hang by its prehensile tail curling around the high branches. The student oriented vertically indicates that a nocturnal animal. It's coarse, thick brown-black fur.

Habitat 

Life binturong Palawan dense vegetation in lowland forests of Palawan. He disguises himself in the dense vegetation of the forest to escape predators.

Diet 

The Palawan Bearcat is omnivorous. It feeds on both fruits and small animals like rodents and birds. It is considered a pest by farmers because it attacks poultry.

Threats
This species is harvested for the animal. In the south of the range is also taken for human consumption.

Scientific classification 
Kingdom: Animalia 
Tribe: Chordata 
Class: Mammals 
Order: Carnivora 
Family: Viverridae 
Subfamily: Paradoxurinae 
Genre: Arctictis 
Type: Arctictis binturong