Binturong

The binturong is a solitary animal but is not territorial and individuals will tolerate each other in the same space. If two binturongs meet, they are likely to avoid each other unless it is a male and female and the female is in oestrus. They may also be found in groups of a female and her litter or a mated pair and their litter. Larger same sex groups have been kept together successfully in captivity. Binturongs mate throughout the year, but females are more likely to give birth between January and March. The reproductive habits of binturongs in the wild are little known, but they are thought to be monogamous. When the female is in oestrus, she will make calls and emit a scent that attracts males. In response, males in range will mark excessively with urine and track the female. During courtship, a male and female will become very affectionate with each other. They will lick each other, touch each other and sleep with their tails entwined. The male may be aggressive towards other approaching males. During copulation, the male and female will purr at each other. Binturongs are able to delay egg implantation until conditions are favourable, which explains why there are peaks in birthing at certain times of year. Young are born in an underdeveloped state and spend their first few days hidden in their mother’s fur. They begin eating solid food at 6 weeks old and are fully weaned by 8 weeks old. Males may or may not assist in rearing young. Kits or cubs (the young can be referred to as both) are independent and leave their parents and litter at 6 to 8 months old. Binturong males reach sexual maturity at 28 months old and females at 30 months old.