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RWP Zoo: Binturong

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binturong

Did You Know?

>>	Both parents care for the young, especially after 8 weeks when they begin to leave the nest.
>>	Binturongs have prehensile tails, which are as long as their body and are used for climbing trees and hanging onto branches; they are the only meat-eater in the Old World that has one.
>>	Binturongs are ecologically important seed dispersers and rodent population controllers.
>>	Some people in Southeast Asia keep them as pets. Although they are usually very tame, they can be aggressive when cornered and have a powerful bite.
>>	Females initiate mating and are aggressive when in estrus.

Fast Facts

Size:
Males have a body length of 2-3 feet; up to 6 feet including tail. Females are up to 20% larger

Weight:
Males weigh 25 - 50 pounds; females weigh up to 20% more

Diet:
Omnivore; eats small mammals, rodents, birds, reptiles, eggs, fruit and vegetables

Life Span:
Up to 20 years in the wild, 20+ years in captivity

Habitat:
Dense forests in tropical and semi-tropical areas

Fun Facts:
Binturongs can walk on a wire the width of a pencil.

They have an odor that smells like buttered popcorn.

Conservation:
Vunerable; hunted for meat and considered a delicacy

Geographic Location:
Southeast Asia

binturong range


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