Since 2017
Palawan Island, Philippines
The overall aim of the project is to improve knowledge of the ecology of the binturong and the true status of its population through scientific studies combining photographic trapping and radio-tracking. This information is crucial to the creation of an appropriate conservation program.
In addition to being little known to the general public, the binturong has been little studied by scientists. Most of the data available on its behavior, reproduction or diet comes from captive studies, and only a few studies have been carried out in the wild, giving only a vague idea of the size of its territory, its diet or the interactions between individuals. Scientists' main reluctance to study this animal lies in the fact that the binturong is particularly difficult to observe due to its natural behavior. Living at heights of between 10 and 20 meters and mostly active at night, conventional study methods often fail to yield accurate and reliable information. But, driven by their passion, the ABConservation team needn't stop there!
Binturong - MNHN, France. Credit E. Baril
Former research site - El Nido forest, Palawan Island, Philippines. Credit D. Van Rooyen
Since 2017, the aim of the Bearcat Study Program has been to improve knowledge of specific aspects of binturong ecology.
Ultimately, the aim will be to estimate the distribution and size of the binturong population on the island of Palawan. This knowledge is crucial for the establishment of a conservation program perfectly adapted to the needs of the species, because how can we protect something we don't know anything about?
As a result, the studies we have set up focus on three themes:
Tree climbing - El Nido forest, Palawan island, Philippines. Credit D. Van Rooyen
The first two years of work were devoted to setting up a photo-trapping protocol in trees between 5 and 20 meters high. Our team's hard work has enabled us to considerably increase the chances of observing binturong by photographic trapping.
41
photographs obtained between 2017 and 2019
1,38
detection rate in a forest in the northeast of the island
0,7
Best rate currently available in scientific literature
0,062
Median detection rate in published studies
Our aim is to track a wild individual using a GPS-equipped transmitter collar. This will enable us to collect key data on the binturong's behavior and use of its territory, using data from photo trapping and the radio collar.
This information will be very varied in nature, from identifying the tree species used for shelter, feeding or giving birth, to determining the living space required for a binturong.
All the results of our studies are or will be the subject of scientific publications, most of which are freely accessible. For more information, go to the scientific documentation section.
Binturong and its juvenile obtained by camera trapping - Irawan forest, Palawan Island, Philippines
Binturong obtained by camera trapping - Second study site, Palawan Island, Philippines
Since 2023, photographic traps have been installed in a protected area in the center of the island to highlight the binturong's preferences in terms of micro-environment.
The data are still being acquired. The aim is to repeat this protocol in other parts of the island. This will enable us to assess the characteristics common to the areas in which the binturong is most frequently observed. This will enable us to categorize Palawan's different habitats according to their suitability for the binturong's needs, and the characteristics identified may enable us to rehabilitate environments initially hostile to this species.
Since 2024, we have reinstalled camera traps in our first study forest, located further to the northeast of the island. The aim is to analyze the impact of typhoon Odette in 2021 on the binturong population, and thus study their resilience.
The current scientific team in the Philippines has a total of eight members:
Many volunteers come to our aid on a regular basis. We also welcome local students for vocational training, thanks to a partnership with Palawan State University, and international students for internships.
The project also draws strength from its various local partnerships and the people behind them: Atty Carlo B. Gomez, Romina Magtanong and Myla S. Adriano (City-Environmental and Natural Resources Office), Dr Ronald Edilberto A. Ona (Palawan State University), Melinda and Chris Walsh (Sabuya Coffee Trading), Elizabeth Maclang (Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park), Sabine Schoppe (Katala Foundation).
ABConservation, it's :
An office in France
57 rue Cuvier MNHN CP31
75005 Paris
An office in Philippines
Unit 15, Maria Apartments
Barangay San Manuel
5300 Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines
© 2025 Arctictis Binturong Conservation
Webmaster: Romaric Perrucaud