Why in News?

• The police and forest officials in Manipur’s Ukhrul town have been scanning “gambling dens” following reports of wild animals such as Binturong being offered as prizes for raffle draws.

Highlights

• Binturong, (Arctictis binturong), also called bear cat or cat bear, catlike omnivore of the civet family (Viverridae), found in dense forests of Southeast Asia.
• It has long shaggy hair, tufted ears, and a long, bushy, prehensile tail. The colour generally is black with a sprinkling of whitish hairs.
• The binturong is principally nocturnal and crepuscular (that is, active during twilight).
• It is found most often among the trees, using its prehensile tail as an aid in climbing. It feeds mainly on fruit, such as figs, but it also takes eggs and small animals.
• In some areas binturongs are tamed and have been reported as being affectionate pets.
• Its range extends from Nepal, India, and Bhutan southward to the Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Java and eastward to Borneo.
• Its  Conservation status are IUCN Red List: Vulnerable, CITES listing: Appendix III and Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I