Animal
Binturong
A grasping tail and a fruit-heavy diet in a shaggy member of the civet family.
Langue du contenu
The binturong belongs to the civet family. Its long dark fur, sturdy outline and whiskers may suggest other mammals, but do not make it either a cat or a bear. A prehensile tail helps it travel through trees. The end section grips branches and provides extra support alongside strong paws equipped with claws.
Binturongs belong to the order Carnivora, yet fruit makes up most of their food. They eat animal matter as well. The name of this zoological group therefore does not mean that every member feeds mainly on meat. By swallowing fruit and passing seeds in its droppings, a binturong helps spread plants through the forest. Its diet matters to future generations of trees and other plants too.
It cannot leap between crowns as easily as monkeys. To reach another tree, it often climbs down to the ground. It can rotate its ankles so that its claws retain their grip while it descends headfirst. Łódź Zoo was the first zoo in Poland to bring binturongs into its collection. Today they live in the Orientarium, where their climbing skills can be compared with the behaviour of other Asian mammals.
Pour les enfants
A binturong’s long tail can grip a branch. It provides extra support when climbing, while strong paws and claws help the animal stay in a tree. The binturong has shaggy fur and prominent whiskers, but belongs to the civet family.
Although it is classed in the order Carnivora, it mostly eats fruit. It also eats animal food. Seeds from the fruit can later arrive in a new place in its droppings. This is how binturongs help spread forest plants.
They do not jump between trees as easily as monkeys. They often climb down to the ground before going up another trunk. When descending headfirst, they can turn their hind feet to keep a grip. Łódź Zoo was the first zoo in Poland to add this species to its collection.
Question 1 sur 2
What helps a binturong grip branches in addition to its paws?
- Emplacement
- Orientarium, Sunda Islands zone, binturong area.