‍In the dense forests bordering Bhutan, Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam in southwestern China, diversity in species thrives. Among all the delightful creatures that nature nourishes in this area, the binturong is a unique one. This critter is popularly known for its cleverness as well as the buttered-popcorn scent it produces when marking its territories.

The binturong is also known as the bearcat because of its cat-like face and bear-like strides when walking on the ground. However, this species is related to neither cats nor bears. It also has a curly tail that is similar to that of a monkey.

Like the monkey, the binturong is one of the few mammals that have a prehensile and curled tail which functions as a fifth hand that helps it to climb all the way to the canopy of a tree. It would even twine its tail around a branch while sleeping on it.

It is an arboreal animal, meaning that it lives on the tree for most of its life. Its feet are five-toed and are helpful when climbing. Although it is categorized as a carnivore, the binturong's favorite food is fruit. They have a huge appetite for figs and grapes.

This small mammal is extremely fierce and aggressive if harassed. When facing a potential predator, it would flash its claws and appear threatening. Therefore, preying on adult binturong is very rare.

Aggressive as it is, the binturong smells like popcorn. Like many other species in the family Viverridae, the binturong has a scent gland which is located under its tail. It drags its tail as it moves around, leaving a popcorn-like smell to mark its territories.

(Cover image designed by CGTN's Li Yueyun.)