464 



CARNIVORES. 



The cheek-teeth of the bmturong, although of the same general tj-pe, are even 

 proportionately smaller than in the small-toothed palm-civets, with which they 

 agi'ee in number. The last molar tooth in the upper, and the tii-st premolar in the 

 lower jaw may, however, be wanting in some indi\T[duals. These peculiarities in 

 the teeth, coupled with the other structural characteristics of the animal, lead to 

 the conclusion that the binturong is a highlj- modified and specialised member of 

 the palm-civet group, of which the nearest relatives are the small-toothed palm- 

 civets. Writing of the habits of the bintui'ong, Mr. Blanford observes that it " is 

 omnivorous, hving on small mammals, birds, fishes, earth-wonns, insects, and fruits ; 

 it is also nocturnal and arboreal, its power of ehmbing about trees being much 

 aided by its prehensile tail It is rather slow in its movements. Its ability to 

 suspend itself by its tail has been questioned, but Blyth has shown that the young, 

 at all events, can support itself by tlie extremity of the tail alone. Blyth also 

 remai-ks that it is the only known placental mammal with a truly prehensile tail 

 in the Old World. This species inhabits wild forests, and, owing to its nocturnal 

 and retiring habits, is seldom seen ; it is said, however, to have a loud howl. It is 

 naturally fierce, but when taken young is easily tamed, and becomes very gentle 

 and playful. Of its breeding, nothing appears to be known." It has been stated 

 that in the young state the binturong is spotted. 



The Cvxogale. 

 Genus Cynogale. 

 As the palm-civets and the binturong represent the arboreal type of the family 



I 



THE CTXOGALE (J nat. size). 



