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Binturong

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Recently, the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve in Assam has received the addition of two new mammalian species, the elusive binturong (Arctictis binturong) and the small-clawed otter.

About Binturong:

  • It is the largest civet in India colloquially known as the bearcat.
  • Common names: Asian Bearcat and the Asian Civet.
  • Scientific name: Arctictis binturong
  • It is a generally solitary and nocturnal animal that spends the majority of its time moving about slowly and cautiously amongst the trees.
  • It has scent glands which are located just under its tail. These glands are used to mark trees and foliage to outline an individual’s territory. 
  • It belongs to the same family as other small carnivores including Civets, Genets, Mongooses, and Fossa.
  • The binturong is one of only two carnivores that has a prehensile tail. (The other is the kinkajou).
  • The prehensile tail acts almost like another leg helping both with climbing, and gripping onto branches to give the Binturong more stability.
  • Habitat: It is a medium sized carnivore that is found inhabiting the dense forests of South-East Asia.
  • Distribution: China, India, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and on the island of Borneo.
  • Conservation status
    • IUCN: Vulnerable
    • Wildlife Protection Act of 1972: Schedule I
    • CITES: Appendix III

Key facts about Small-clawed otter

  • It exhibit partially webbed feet and short claws, enhancing their adeptness as hunters in aquatic environments.
  • Distribution:
    • This mammal boasts a broad distribution range spanning from India eastwards to Southeast Asia and southern China.
    • In India, it predominantly inhabits protected areas in West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and certain regions of Kerala within the Western Ghats.
  • Habitat: They are primarily found in freshwater habitats, sustaining themselves with a diet comprising fish and crustaceans.
  • Threats: Habitat destruction, deforestation, reduction in prey biomass etc.
  • Conservation status
    • IUCN: Vulnerable
    • Wildlife Protection Act of 1972: Schedule I
    • CITES: Appendix I