The Palawan binturong or Palawan bearcat (Arctictis binturong whitei) is a subspecies

Subspecies

Subspecies in biological classification, is either a taxonomic rank subordinate to species, ora taxonomic unit in that rank . A subspecies cannot be recognized in isolation: a species will either be recognized as having no subspecies at all or two or more, never just one...

 of the binturong

Binturong

The Binturong , also known as the Asian Bearcat, the Palawan Bearcat, or simply the Bearcat, is a species of the family Viverridae, which includes the civets and genets. It is the only member of its genus...

 that is endemic to the Philippine island of Palawan

Palawan

Palawan is an island province of the Philippines located in the MIMAROPA region or Region 4. Its capital is Puerto Princesa City, and it is the largest province in the country in terms of total area of jurisdiction. The islands of Palawan stretch from Mindoro in the northeast to Borneo in the...

.

Physical characteristics

The Palawan binturong can grow to as much as 1.4 metres (4.6 ft). Distinguishing characteristics are the ears that are lined with white fur, and long, white whiskers that can be as long as the length of its head. Generally docile when handled, the bearcat nevertheless has sharp claws and teeth that can easily rip through flesh. It can suspend itself by curling its strong prehensile tail around branches. Its vertically oriented pupil indicates that it is a nocturnal animal. It has coarse, thick black-brown fur.

Habitat

The Palawan binturong inhabits thick vegetation in the lowland forests of Palawan

Palawan

Palawan is an island province of the Philippines located in the MIMAROPA region or Region 4. Its capital is Puerto Princesa City, and it is the largest province in the country in terms of total area of jurisdiction. The islands of Palawan stretch from Mindoro in the northeast to Borneo in the...

. It camouflages itself in dense vegetation in the forest canopy to escape predators.

Diet

The Palawan bearcat is omnivorous. It feeds on both fruits and small animals such as rodents and birds. It is considered a pest by farmers because it preys upon poultry.

Threats

This species is harvested for the pet trade. In the south of its range it is also taken for human consumption.