During the Nam Nern Night Safari tour our guide managed to capture this lovely photo of Binturong (Arctictis binturong), also known as bearcat or as directly translated from Lao language a bear-civet. This vulnerable animal belongs to Viverridae family (as civets, genets, linsangs) and is native to Southeast Asia.

As for many animals, the major threats to the binturong are also the habitat loss linked with forest degradation. In Laos binturongs can be also seen displayed in cage and their skins are frequently traded in Vientiane. In some parts of Laos it is considered as delicacy and is also traded as a food item to Vietnam. Read more about Binturong on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species website – “Arctictis binturong” or visit us in Nam Et – Phou Louey national protected area to see them alive and in their natural habitat.