The VALiens

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 neither a bear nor a cat, and the real meaning of the original name has been lost, as the local language that gave it that name is now extinct

The binturong is nocturnaland sleeps on branches. It eats primarily fruit, but has also been known to eat a wide range of animal matter as well. 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.

 

Being burly, omnivorous and with a capability for aggressively defending itself, the binturong is sometimes compared to a bear, but it is considerably smaller, being no larger than a small dog. It is, however, the largest living species in the Viverridae family, only rivaled by the African Civet

Behavior

The binturong is solitary and nocturnal. It 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. It can sometimes, however, come to the forest floor, either to cross over to other trees or to feed on fallen fruit

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.

Status

Although the binturong continues to occur over a large range, the populations of this species has been greatly reduced. The IUCN now lists the species as Vulnerable. Mostly, this is due directly to human activities. The primary threat to the species is destruction of forest habitats.

— article from wikipedia —