BINTURONG

(Arctictis binturong), catlike carnivore of the civet family (Viverridae), found in dense forests of southern Asia, Indonesia, and Malaysia. It has long, shaggy hair, tufted ears, and a long, bushy, prehensile tail. The colour generally is black with a sprinkling of whitish hairs. The head and body measure about 6095 centimetres (2438 inches) and the tail an additional 5590 cm (2235 in.); weight ranges from about 9 to 14 kilograms (20 to 31 pounds). The binturong is principally nocturnal and arboreal in habit, using its prehensile tail as an aid in climbing. It apparently feeds mainly on fruit but also takes eggs and small animals. In some areas it is tamed and is reported to make an affectionate pet.