Binturong

Thanks to its powerful front legs and long claws, the binturong climbs trees with ease and moves nimbly over branches. Its prehensile tail, which it uses to cling to branches, enables it to keep its balance and avoid falling. Surprisingly, the binturong has a distinctive popcorn-like odor, due to a chemical compound in its urine. This odor plays an essential role in communication between individuals.

Binturong populations have declined by over 30% in 30 years due to deforestation, wildlife trade, and hunting. ABConservation, the only NGO dedicated to their protection, conducts field research, particularly in the Philippines, to better understand their behavior and ecology. The organization also works with local communities to promote forest and species conservation.