The binturong, also known as the Asian bearcat, is a large, shaggy-furred mammal native to the dense tropical forests of Southeast Asia. Despite its nickname, it is not closely related to bears or cats, but possesses one of the most distinctive odors in the animal kingdom. The binturong emits a potent aroma often compared to hot, buttered popcorn or corn chips, a scent that plays a significant role in its daily life.
Confirming the Popcorn Scent and Its Source
The unmistakable buttery odor is a deliberate form of chemical communication used for marking territory. This unique scent originates from glands located beneath the binturong’s long, muscular tail, specifically near the anus. The animal applies this aromatic secretion to its surroundings as it moves through the forest canopy. The most potent source of the aroma, however, is the animal’s urine, which becomes a part of its scent trail.
Binturongs have been observed urinating in a squatting position, which effectively soaks their feet and the underside of their bushy, prehensile tail. By dragging its tail and walking along branches, the binturong leaves a distinct, long-lasting chemical signature to signal its presence to others.
The Chemical Compound Responsible for the Aroma
The scientific explanation for the popcorn-like smell lies in a single, specific volatile organic compound. Researchers identified the molecule 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, often shortened to 2-AP, as the primary component of the binturong’s scent. This compound is identical to the one that gives cooked foods like toasted bread, basmati rice, and most notably, popped popcorn, their characteristic warm, nutty smell.
In food, 2-AP is created through a chemical process called the Maillard reaction, which requires high heat to combine sugars and amino acids. This initially puzzled scientists, as the compound typically requires cooking temperatures. The most probable explanation is that the 2-AP is not synthesized directly by the binturong’s body. Instead, it is likely produced when bacteria and other microorganisms interact with the binturong’s urine and glandular secretions on the skin and fur. This microbial breakdown creates the aromatic compound, making the binturong’s communication system a collaboration between the mammal and its microbiome.
Binturong Classification and Behavior
The binturong, Arctictis binturong, is the only species in its genus and belongs to the Viverridae family, which includes civets and genets. It is classified within the order Carnivora, yet its diet is overwhelmingly omnivorous, with a strong preference for fruit. Figs are an important food source, but binturongs also consume small mammals, birds, eggs, and insects.
These mammals are primarily arboreal, spending most of their lives in the trees of their Southeast Asian rainforest habitat. Their movements are often slow and deliberate. They use their long, shaggy tail as a fifth limb for grasping and balance, a trait known as prehensility. Binturongs are mainly nocturnal or crepuscular, being most active at dawn and dusk.