What is Turong?
You might have wondered what "turong" actually stands for? It's actually a nod towards the amazing animal, the Binturong; what does an animal has to do with exercising? Well, absolutely nothing, I just like this peculiar animal a lot.
About the Binturong
The binturong, sometimes called the "bearcat", is a unique and charismatic mammal native to Southeast Asian forests. Despite its nickname, the binturong is neither a bear nor a cat; it belongs to the Viverridae family, which also includes civets and genets.
Binturongs are notable for their long, prehensile tail which acts almost like a fifth limb — they use it to grasp branches while navigating the forest canopy. Adults can weigh up to 20 kilograms and are primarily nocturnal and arboreal, spending most of their lives in trees.
One fascinating fact is their role in seed dispersal. Binturongs feed on fruits — especially figs — and help spread tree seeds across the forest. Their droppings can contain intact seeds that later germinate, making them important ecological players in maintaining healthy tropical forests.
Binturongs have a distinctive scent often described as smelling like buttered popcorn or corn chips. This odor comes from scent glands near the tail and is used for communication and marking territory. Their vocalizations include chuckles, hisses, and bellows, which they use during social interactions.