Q. With reference to the animal Binturong, consider the following statements:
1.They are the largest member of the civet family (Viverridae).
2.They are found in forests of Central Africa.
3.They are known to smell like buttered popcorn due to a compound in their scent glands.
4.They are listed Critically Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Explanations –
Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Binturongs (Arctictis binturong) are the largest members of the Viverridae family, which includes civets and genets. They can grow up to 5.25 feet in length, including their prehensile tail, and weigh between 9 and 20 kilograms. Binturongs are famous for their unique scent, which resembles buttered popcorn. This smell is caused by a chemical compound called 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) present in their urine.
Statements 2 and 4 are incorrect. Binturongs are native to South and Southeast Asia, not Central Africa. Their range includes countries like India, Nepal, Bangladesh, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Binturongs are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss, hunting, and other threats.
Source: Forum IAS
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