Binturong Research Articles

The illegal trade of binturongs in indonesia (arctictis binturong)

Wildlife trade heavily exploits small carnivores like the Binturong Arctictis binturong which is coveted for meat, skin, civet coffee production and the pet trade, across its range in Asia. Yet, there are few studies documenting the trade of binturongs or the impact of trade on wild populations. This study examines seizure data and online trade of binturongs in Indonesia to better understand trade dynamics and identify measures to mitigate illegal trade and exploitation. We found a significant quantity of binturongs for sale online with 594 adverts offering over 720 live animals during the study period, the majority of which were on Facebook (97.6%). The trade largely revolves around the demand for pets. Both wild-sourced and captive-bred individuals were observed for sale. Nevertheless, we argue the vast majority are likely to have been illegally harvested from the wild posing a serious threat to the survival of this unique small carnivore. This was supported by seizure data whereby 103 live binturongs were confiscated indicating illegal hunting for the species is occurring in violation of local wildlife laws. The vast number of adverts for binturongs indicates buyers and traders do not fear detection or perceive local enforcement as a threat. Addressing legislative weaknesses and greater enforcement of laws and prosecution rates will be essential in mitigating illegal trade and exploitation. Establishing clear and stringent regulations on online wildlife traders and platforms such as Facebook which facilitate this trade is urgently needed to end the rampant and blatant illegal trade of wildlife.

Whole versus chopped food: the bintu-right way to do it?

It remains common practice for zoos to chop animal diets into small pieces, even though there is limited evidence to support this practice. It is important that the purported benefits of chopping food are investigated, to determine whether there are any benefits for animal welfare. This study investigates the impact of food presentation on the behaviour of the binturong (Arctictis binturong), a large Asian viverrid, at Beale Wildlife Park in the United Kingdom. For this study, food was provided in three sizes: very finely chopped, chopped, and in whole pieces, and the behaviour and food preference of binturongs was investigated alongside the time taken for keepers to prepare diets. There were relatively few behavioural differences when binturongs were provided with the three food sizes. Only a few behaviours, namely feeding, food manipulation and locomotion with food were significantly more frequent when food was whole, whilst vocalisations were significantly less frequent in this condition. When food items are large, the binturongs appeared to take a large item and move elsewhere to eat, thus moving away from one another, which therefore reduces opportunities for aggression or stealing. This suggests that large food items may have benefits in terms of reduced food monopolisation, especially for binturongs housed in pairs or groups. Keepers saved almost five minutes when preparing whole food diets as opposed to the very chopped size. Given the potential benefits, plus the keeper time saved, whole diets are a viable option for feeding binturongs.

Distinct Island Lineages of Binturong (Arctictis binturong) from Indonesia and Its Conservation Implications

Binturong (Arctictis binturong) is a threatened carnivore that inhabits the forests of South and Southeast Asia. Despite its wide range, binturong is relatively scarce across its habitat distribution and is currently under the threat of poaching and illegal trade. Captive breeding has unfortunately been conducted rather haphazardly with a lack of origin record maintained, implicating potential risks to the management such as inbreeding or genetic swamping. This study thus aims to characterise the phylogenetic relationship of Indonesian binturong within the context of Southeast Asian binturong and further probe the distinctness of lineages originating from Java, Sumatra, Indonesian Borneo, and Bangka using Cytochrome B (CytB) and Cytochrome C Oxidase Subunit 1 (CO1). Genetic distance, phylogram topology, and haplotype analysis of both encoding genes further corroborate the distinctness of Java, Borneo, and Bangka binturong from other binturong from Indochinese regions such as India, Laos, and Myanmar. Search for prospective single nucleotide polymorphism markers to discriminate island lineages consistently found that each Java, Bangka, and Bornean binturong be distinct from each other and other lineages, especially when assessed using haplotype-based clustering. Assigning binturong originated from Sumatra is nonetheless more complicated, suggesting the possibility. Our findings substantiated the much-needed systematic research of Southeast Asian binturong as ex-situ insurance population management grows in Indonesia and other parts of the world to protect the diversity of binturong lineages and their corresponding unique evolutionary history.

Visual Design of Pop-Up Book Publication Binturong the Rare Cat Bear

This thesis aims to design an engaging and educational pop-up book about the Binturong (Arctictis binturong), a nocturnal creature related to civets but distinguished by size. Known by various names in different regions, such as Binturong, Binturung, Menturung, or Menturun, this animal is referred to as Binturong, Malay Civet Cat, Asian Bearcat, Palawan Bearcat, or simply Bearcat in English. The wild population of Binturong has experienced a significant decline, leading to an elevation of its conservation status to Vulnerable (VU), according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Binturong is listed among the protected species by the Indonesian government. The population decline is attributed to human intervention through exploitation, excessive hunting, deforestation, and forest fires. The responsibility of preserving the environment and biodiversity should concern society. Particularly, educating children, as the next generation, about the Binturong is crucial for understanding the importance of ensuring the sustainability of this species. Therefore, the pop-up book is considered an attractive educational medium. A pop-up book is an interactive form of literature with images that can be erected, aesthetically pleasing, and capable of movement. Thus, the pop-up book serves as an effective tool to enhance reading interest and knowledge about the Binturong.

Observation on Binturong (Arctictis binturong) behaviour and its conservation management practices at Semarang Zoo, Central Java

Observation on Binturong (<i>Arctictis binturong</i>) behaviour and its conservation management practices at Semarang Zoo, Central Java

Binturong ecology and conservation in pristine, fragmented and degraded tropical forests

AbstractThe persistence of seed-dispersing animals in degraded habitats could be critical for ensuring the long-term conservation value and restoration of forests. This is particularly important in Southeast Asia, where &gt; 70% of the remaining forest areas are within 1 km of a forest edge, and many are degraded (e.g. logged). We synthesized information on the habitat associations of the binturongArctictis binturong, a large, semi-arboreal, frugivorous civet and one of the most important seed dispersers in the region, especially for figs (Ficusspp). We adopted a multiscale approach by employing ensemble species distribution modelling from presence-only records, assessing landscape-scale variation in detection rates in published camera-trap studies and using hierarchical occupancy modelling to assess local (i.e. within-landscape) patterns observed from 20 new camera-trap surveys. Contrary to prior reports that binturongs are strongly associated with intact forests, the species was equally present in degraded forests and near forest edges where sufficient forest cover was maintained (&gt; 40% forest cover within a 20-km radius). The species also tolerates moderate incursions of oil palm plantations (&lt; 20% of the area within a 20-km radius covered by oil palm plantations). The relative resilience of binturongs to habitat degradation could be in part because of behavioural adaptations towards increased nocturnal activity. These results support the notion that key seed dispersers can persist and maintain their ecological function in degraded forests.

Daily Behavior of Binturong (Arctictis binturong) in Ex-situ Conservation Taman Margasatwa Ragunan

Binturong (Arctictis binturong) is a mammal in the family of Viverridae, which includes animals such as civets. Binturong is a species with VU (Vulnerable) status, which means that it faces the risk of extinction in the wild in the future based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List and has Appendix III based on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This research aimed to determine the behavior at Taman Margasatwa Ragunan (Ragunan Wildlife Park) from July to September 2022. Taman Margasatwa Ragunan is an ex-situ conservation for flora and fauna, which is also helpful as a place for research, education, and recreation. This research determined the behavior, frequency, and duration of binturong’s daily activities at Taman Margasatwa Ragunan (Ragunan Wildlife Park). This study used a scan sampling method, and the objects were three individual binturongs, namely male Sumatran binturong (Martin), male Kalimantan binturong (Amoy), and female Kalimantan binturong (Gaza). The results obtained showed that the highest activity was found in resting behavior (6444 minutes; 82,64%) and the lowest was in agonistic behavior (3 minutes; 0,03%) carried out by Martin, then the highest activity was in resting behavior (6607 minutes; 84,75%) and the lowest was the behavior of defecation (5 minutes; 0,06%) carried out by Amoy, then the highest activity was in resting behavior (6833 minutes; 87,61%) and the lowest was the behavior of defecation (1 minute; 0,01%) carried out by Gaza.

MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY OF BINTURONGS (ARCTICTIS BINTURONG) IN UNITED STATES ZOOLOGICAL INSTITUTIONS (1986-2019).

Veterinary literature on diseases in binturong (Arctictis binturong) is often limited to case series or reports without population-level information. Morbidity and mortality data were collected from North American institutions through survey completion or submission of medical records. Responses included information about 74 individuals (37 males, 30 females, and 7 unknown neonates) representing 22 institutions, from 1986 to 2019. Antemortem data were available from 39 individuals, and postmortem data were available from 53 individuals. Eighteen individuals had both antemortem and postmortem records available. Age (mean ± SD) at death for adults (n = 41) was 15.2 ± 4.3 yr. Morbidity events were summarized by affected organ system; 160 events were reported. The systems with the most frequently reported events were gastrointestinal (33%; 53/160), integumentary (19%; 31/160), urinary (12%; 20/160), and musculoskeletal (19 [12%] of 160). Excluding neonates, primary causes of mortality included neoplasia (51%; 21/41), infectious or inflammatory diseases (24%; 10/41), and cardiovascular disease (17%; 7/41). Neoplasms (51%; 21/41) confirmed on histopathology included renal adenocarcinoma (47%; 10/21); mammary carcinoma (14%; 3/21); pancreatic islet cell carcinoma (2 [10%] of 21); and single instances of multicentric lymphoma, uterine carcinoma, and submucosal urethral adenoma. There were three additional cases of presumed neoplasia without histopathologic confirmation; masses were detected in the liver, heart base, and pancreas. Metastases were reported in 15 (71%) of 21 neoplasms. Although neoplasia and cardiovascular disease were common causes of mortality, they were rarely diagnosed antemortem. Neoplasia was often malignant and generally diagnosed after metastasis. Preventive medicine protocols with improved renal and cardiovascular evaluation are warranted and may result in earlier detection of subclinical disease in binturong.

First photographic evidence of the Binturong Arctictis binturong (Raffles, 1821) from Nepal

This is the first photographic confirmation of the occurrence of Binturong Arctictis binturong from Nepal. Although based on anecdotal reports, the species was believed to occur in the eastern Himalaya of Nepal but its exact locality and photographic evidence were not available. Hence this is the first proof for this species to be present in Nepal.

Zoo Closure Does Not Affect Behavior and Activity Patterns of Palawan Binturong (Arctictis binturong whitei)

Exploring the interaction between humans and animals has become increasingly important in the evaluation of well-being for species housed in zoos and aquaria. The COVID-19 pandemic saw the global closure of zoos and aquaria to visitors. Chester Zoo, U.K., was no exception, with the charity shutting its doors for the longest period in its 90-year history. Whilst access to site was strictly limited to essential animal care staff, recent investment in networked infrared CCTV camera systems allowed some species to be monitored remotely during this extraordinary period of zoo closure. Here, we used this equipment to investigate whether zoo closure influenced activity patterns and behavior of two adult Palawan binturong, Arctictis binturong whitei. The cameras facilitated behavioral monitoring over 24 h enabling the collection of a full activity budget, which revealed a natural crepuscular activity pattern. Overall, visitor presence was found to have a neutral effect on this species, with no significant difference observed in time spent engaging in den use, vigilance or travel behaviors during zoo open and zoo closed conditions. A neutral visitor effect was found when evaluating behavior over a 24 h period and during hours which the zoo would normally be open to visitors (10:00–16:30). This research presents new information on this elusive and understudied species in captivity, and promotes investment in monitoring equipment which enables more comprehensive behavioral sampling than traditional visitor-effect methods.

Morphological and morphometric studies on the scapula and humerus of Binturong (Arctictis Binturong)

Natural Habitat of Binturong is the forest remnant of South-east Asia. Common characteristic features of a Binturong are its shout legs, thick black body coat and prehensile tail. After collecting the samples from Aizawl Zoological Park, Mizoram with permission from the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate change, Government of Mizoram, those were macerated by the combination of boiling hot water and HODifferent morphometric parameters of scapula and humerus were measured. Scapula of Binturong was a flat almost square shaped bone with similar width in both dorsal and ventral border with a wide scapular neck, average circumference of which is around 8.04 cm. Average maximum length and width of the scapula of Binturong was 8.81 cm and 6.56 cm, respectively. A small foramen was seen at the neck of the scapula perforating the ventral portion of the scapular spine. Average maximum total length of Binturong Humerus was 12.81 cm. Proximal extremity of the humerus carries a caudally present oval shaped head, average maximum width of which is about 2.05cm. Distal extremity of the Binturong humerus is consists of a supracondylar foramen, a radial fossa, a olecranon fossa, lateral and medial condyle and epicondyle. Since not much work has been done on the related field in this particular animal, therefore this present study was conducted to get the baseline data about the two bones of forelimb in Binturong, which can play a predominant role in disease diagnosis, treatments and other applied fields of veterinary biology.

Severe Hydroxyapatite Deposition Disease in Binturongs (Arctictis binturong).

In a collection of 6 young binturongs (Arctictis binturong), 3 presented with anorexia, lethargy, and footpad swelling diagnosed by surgical biopsy as calcinosis circumscripta. Despite supportive care over the next 4 years, affected binturongs had progressive weight loss, hyperphosphatemia, and hyperkalemia and developed large radiodense deposits in tissues adjacent to appendicular joints, thoracolumbar vertebrae, and the sternum. Two binturongs died and necropsies showed severe periarticular mineral deposition with fibrosis and granulomatous inflammation. Additionally, binturongs had mineralization of distal renal tubules, mineralization of the renal interstitium, and marked mineralization of the pulmonary interstitium and peribronchiolar smooth muscle. Foot biopsies from the surviving binturong were evaluated by spectroscopic microanalysis and were positive for hydroxyapatite, Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2. Periarticular and footpad mineralization in these binturongs is consistent with hydroxyapatite deposition disease, which is rarely described in humans and animals as a primary familial condition or a secondary condition often associated with renal injury.

Repeated Evaluations of Testes and Semen Characteristics in Two Binturongs (Arctictis binturong).

The binturong is a medium size carnivore belonging to the Viverrid family that lives in dense forests of South-East Asia. In addition to the protection of this vulnerable species in its natural habitat (in situ), conservation breeding efforts (ex situ) aim at maintaining a good genetic diversity while increasing the number of individuals to reinforce wild populations. Both approaches require a solid understanding of binturong's basic biology. However, there is still a lack of precise information about reproduction. The objective of this brief research report was to analyze testicular sizes and semen characteristics at different times of the year to better understand the reproductive physiology and inform future conservation efforts. A secondary objective was to describe sperm cryotolerance for the first time in that species. Examinations of testes and semen collections were conducted on two adult males. While testicular measurements were relatively constant across multiple examinations, semen characteristics (volume, viability, sperm concentrations, sperm motility) varied between samples. However, incidence of sperm morphological abnormalities was consistently high. Sperm cryotolerance appeared to be poor but further studies are warranted. The present dataset will be useful for future research on binturong reproduction and for the development of assisted reproductive techniques and biobanking of germplasms in that species.

Binturong Arctictis binturong conservation: the relationship between the zoo community and ABConservation for an integrated conservation programme in Palawan, Philippines

Zoological institutions play an ever‐greater role in awareness of biodiversity and are increasingly involved in conservation initiatives. The Binturong Arctictis binturong is an elusive and poorly known carnivore of the family Viverridae, found in South East Asian ecosystems. This species, affected by diverse human‐related threat processes, is listed as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. This paper reports on the collaborative efforts involving the Binturong European Endangered Species Programme, the French non‐governmental organization ABConservation, the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, the zoo community and researchers at the Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris (France), all aimed at the conservation of Binturongs. The resulting multidisciplinary initiatives allow the development of an integrated conservation programme for this species in Palawan (Philippines), including community awareness, education programmes, research projects and empowerment of range communities in nature conservancy. Zoos contributed significantly to the development of the field initiatives of ABConservation. Participation of zoos in field programmes for conservation is beneficial for both parties, because zoos support conservation through funding, raising awareness and expertise, and at the same time they acquire increased knowledge about the species they have in their care, and gain relevance in defining their role and missions.

Improving the detection rate of binturongs (Arctictis binturong) in Palawan Island, Philippines, through the use of arboreal camera-trapping

Abstract Although remote camera-traps are used worldwide for ecological studies, the methods of use are often based on ground-level detection. This inherently limits the ability to detect arboreal species. This study aims to test arboreal camera trapping as an alternative method to improve the detection of the binturong (Arctictis binturong). We obtained a total of 41 independent detections of binturongs for 2,973 trap-nights, representing a detection rate of 1.38%. Thus, although statistical comparison with other surveys is not possible, this is currently the highest detection rate for the species. This is encouraging to further develop this method for research on binturongs.

Morphological and Morphometrical Studies on the Skull of Binturong (Arctictis binturong)

Morphological and Morphometrical Studies on the Skull of Binturong (Arctictis binturong)

Characteristics of the complete mitochondrial genome of the monotypic genus Arctictis (Family: Viverridae) and its phylogenetic implications.

The binturong (Arctictis binturong) is classified as a member of the subfamily Paradoxurinae within the family Viverridae (Carnivora: Mammalia) and comprises nine subspecies spread across Southern and Southeast Asia. Here, we describe the complete mitochondrial genome of the Indian subspecies A. b. albifrons using next-generation sequencing methods. The total length of the A. b. albifrons mitogenome was 16,642 bp. Phylogenetic analyses based on 13 mitochondrial protein-coding genes placed the binturong as a sister taxon to Paguma larvata within the Paradoxurinae and supported the clustering of Genettinae and Viverrinae and the monophyly of Viverridae and six other families of feliforms, consistent with previous studies. Divergence time estimates suggest that the Viverridae diversified during the Miocene (22.62 Mya: 95% CI [20.78–24.54] Mya) and that Arctictis and Paguma split 12.57 Mya (95% CI [8.66–15.67] Mya). Further molecular studies are required to test the distinctiveness and diversity of the nine putative subspecies of binturong.

Ex-Situ Wildlife Conservation in Taman Satwa Lembah Hijau Bandar Lampung

Ex-situ conservation carried out by Taman Satwa Lembah Hijau Bandar Lampung (TSLHBL) is an effort made to protect species of plants and animals outside the original habitat. This study aims to determine the suitability of ex-situ wildlife conservation efforts in TSLHBL using observation and interview methods. Data was processed by evaluative comparison methods with conformity indicators for wildlife welfare of the Indonesian Zoo Association (PKBSI) and the Indonesian Society for Animal Welfare (ISAW). The results of the study of the suitability of cages and animal playgrounds from twenty-five cages found 44% of cages that were not according to PKBSI and ISAW namely: Owa Jawa (Hylobates moloch), Owa Sumatera (Hylobates agilis), Merak Hijau (Pavo muticus), Rusa Timor (Cervus timorensis), Elang Hitam (Ictinaetus malayensis), Elang Brontok (Nisaetus cirrhatus), Elang Bondol (Haliastur indus), Beo (Gracula religiosa), Bangau Tong-tong (Leptoptilos javanicus), Binturung (Arctictis binturong), Buaya Muara (Crocodylus porosus), and Buaya Irian (Crocodylus novaeguineae). Of the twenty-six species of animals, only species of Merak Hijau (Pavo muticus) whose amount of feed does not match the amount of feed that should be given. Animals that produce offspring are only one deer in 2016, while other animals have no offspring. The utilization of wildlife in TSLHBL is for research, photo taking, visuals and animal attractions. Keywords: ex-situ conservation, wildlife conservation, wildlife parks lembah hijau

A Study on the Potential of Mammalian Feces as Seed Dispersal Agent in a Disturbed Forest Landscape

Mammalian feces are digestive residuals that come out through the anal in the form of materials that is partially or completely digested. Mammals have the potential to disperse seeds and regenerate forests through feces. However, quantitative studies on the potential of various species of mammals need to be done to clarify such a role. We collected mammalian feces through field surveys in forest habitat, forest edges and along the riverbank at Solok Selatan, West Sumatra. Seed viability test was carried out at the Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Greenhouse of the Department of Biology, Andalas University. We successfully collected 31 piles from eight species of mammals belonging to three orders and six families. Seeds of four plant species were found in 63% of mammalian feces, all of which are from the Viverridae family (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus, Arctogalidia trivirgata, Arctictis binturong). The piles were more often (80.6%) found at the forest edge than at riverside and forests. Seed viability tests showed that all seeds failed to germinate. The results of this study indicate that Viverridae has the potential for seed dispersal but viability test does not support the role of mammals for forest regeneration through germination.

Short-term movements and strong dependence on figs of binturongs (Arctictis binturong) in Bornean rainforests

We evaluated short-term movements of three radio-collared binturongs in relation to food distribution in Bornean rainforests, in addition to the basic ecological information on their home-range size and diet. Mean 95% fixed kernel and 95% MCP home-range size were 4.24 ± 0.79 km2 and 1.54 ± 0.89 km2, respectively (mean ± SD). We recorded 13 fig Ficus species and four non-fig species as their foods. Fig trees accounted for 87.5% of the feeding sites of the three collared binturongs, and 87.9% including uncollared individuals. Our results suggested that binturongs’ short-term movements were strongly affected by food distribution, especially figs. They feed on various fig species and may remember the location and fruiting periods of fig trees. They may use the biggest fig species, F. punctata, as a fallback food when other foods are scarce. Although this is the first systematic study to describe movement and feeding habits of binturongs, further studies are needed to understand their ecology so that proper measures can be designed for their conservation.