Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: Two new mammalian species, the elusive binturong (bearcat) and the small-clawed otter, have been added to Assam’s Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve.
- The binturong, the largest civet in India, was photographed during a migratory bird count, while the small-clawed otter was spotted after a training program.
- Both species are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
| Species | Binturong (Bearcat) | Small-clawed Otter (Asian Small-clawed Otter) |
| Description | Largest civet in India. | Primarily found in freshwater habitats. |
| Native | South-East Asia. | India (West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala), Southeast Asia, and Southern China. |
| Distribution | India (Meghalaya, Sikkim), Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, etc. | |
| Conservation | Vulnerable (IUCN); Appendix III (CITES). | Vulnerable (IUCN); Appendix I (CITES). |
