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Rare Binturong Sighting: A Binturong was recently captured on camera in the Narang Wari Village Reserve Forest, near Balpakram National Park in Meghalaya. This is significant because it confirms the presence of this vulnerable species in the area.
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Location Importance: The Narang Wari VRF acts as a buffer zone for Balpakram National Park, highlighting the importance of community-managed forests in protecting wildlife.
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Binturong Facts:
- Also known as the bearcat, it is the largest civet in India.
- It’s a catlike omnivore found in Southeast Asian forests.
- Characterized by a prehensile tail, tufted ears and long shaggy black colored hair.
- They mark territory using scent glands.
- Primarily nocturnal and crepuscular.
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Conservation Status: The Binturong is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN and is a Schedule I animal under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, indicating a high level of protection.
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Balpakram National Park Significance:
- Located in Meghalaya, it’s known as the “Land of Perpetual Winds.”
- It harbors diverse flora and fauna, including rare pitcher plants, orchids, elephants, tigers, and Hillock Gibbons.
Binturong
