Binturong in Khao Sok National Park Thailand Postcard

The binturong (Arctictis binturong), also known as the bearcat, is a distinctive mammal native to Southeast Asia, including Thailand's Khao Sok National Park. As the largest member of the Viverridae family, binturongs are arboreal and primarily nocturnal, making them elusive to spot in the wild. In Khao Sok, they inhabit the dense, evergreen rainforests, often residing in the upper canopy where they forage for fruits, leaves, and small animals. Figs constitute a significant portion of their diet, reflecting their preference for fruit-rich environments . Despite their size and unique appearance, binturongs are rarely seen due to their nocturnal and solitary nature. Their presence in Khao Sok National Park underscores the area's rich biodiversity, which includes over 50 mammal species and more than 300 bird species . Conservation efforts are crucial, as binturongs face threats from habitat loss and fragmentation across their range. Observing a binturong in its natural habitat is a rare and rewarding experience for wildlife enthusiasts visiting Khao Sok.