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Arctictis binturong whitei
The Palawan binturong or Palawan bearcat (Arctictis binturong whitei) is a subspecies of the binturong that is endemic to the Philippine island of Palawan. The Palawan binturong can grow to as much as 1.4 metres (4.6 ft). Distinguishing characteristics are the ears that are lined with white fur, and long, white whiskers that can be as long as the length of its head. Generally docile when handled, the bearcat nevertheless has sharp claws and teeth that can easily rip through flesh. It can suspend itself by curling its strong prehensile tail around branches. Its vertically oriented pupil indicates that it is a nocturnal animal. It has coarse, thick black-brown fur.
The Palawan binturong inhabits thick vegetation in the lowland forests of Palawan. It camouflages itself in dense vegetation in the forest canopy to escape predators.
The Palawan bearcat is omnivorous. It feeds on both fruits and small animals such as rodents and birds. It is considered a pest by farmers because it preys upon poultry. This species is harvested for the pet trade. In the south of its range it is also taken for human consumption.
Spotted on Jan 6, 2013
Submitted on Jan 6, 2014
3 Comments
Thank you for adding this information. It's great that you helped rescue it; where is it staying now? You could add this spotting to the mission on wildlife rescue and rehabilitation: http://www.projectnoah.org/missions/9974...
The Binturong escaped from an unknown owner here in the City. Possibly illegally captured. I personally handled its capture, it bit me and scraped my fingernail in my right pinky off (it was worth the rescue), and because of the loss of habitat here in out town we couldn't send it back to the wild. The animal doesn't exhibit basic instincts to survive in the wild. This is one animal victim of possible illegal wildlife poaching.
Why is this binturong in a cage?