Localization

South-Eastern Asia​

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Threats

• Urbanization

• Cultures, Agriculture

• Planting wood and pulp

• Logging

• Hunting for fur and human food

• Pet trade

• Traditional medicine

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Population

Decreasing

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U.I.C.N. : V.U. - Vulnérable

C.I.T.E.S : Appendix III (12/04/2001) - sale possible with permit or certificate appropriate to the legislation

EU Wildlife Trade Regulations: Appendix C in India (under discussion for Indonesia) - species listed in CITES Appendix III, unless EU Member States have expressed a reservation

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Trade

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Canada :

Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA):

Canada enforces CITES through the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA). This legislation requires permits for the import and export of CITES-listed species, including binturongs. Environment and Climate Change Canada administers WAPPRIITA, ensuring compliance with CITES and regulating trade to prevent over-exploitation of species.​

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China (PRC) :

​Wildlife Protection Law of the People's Republic of China (2022 Version):

This law prohibits the hunting, killing, and illegal trade of wildlife under national key protection. (Wildlife Protection Law of the PRC (2022 Version))

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China Red List:

The binturong is listed as "Critically Endangered" on the China Red List, highlighting the severe threat to its population in the country. (Binturong (Arctictis binturong)-Thai National Parks)

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France :

Any animal not included in the list of domestic animals set by ministerial decree is a wild animal. The binturong is not on this list.

For animals coming from a country other than France, the marking must be carried out within eight days of arrival at the place of detention. However, this provision does not apply to animals whose stay in France does not exceed three months, provided that they are marked in accordance with the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora known as CITES.

For zoological parks, certificate(s) of capacity and opening authorization(s) are required for captivity.

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Article L413-10

Version in force since 02 December 2021

Created by LAW No. 2021-1539 of 30 November 2021 - art. 46 - Code de l'environnement

1. Ban on Acquiring and Breeding Non-Domestic Animals:

   • It is prohibited to buy, sell, or breed non-domestic species for use in traveling shows.

   • This ban takes effect two years after the law’s enactment (November 30, 2023).

2. Prohibition on Keeping and Transporting Non-Domestic Animals:

   • Traveling shows cannot keep, transport, or use non-domestic animals for performances starting seven years after the law’s enactment (November 30, 2028).

3. Animal Welfare Provisions:

   • Owners of affected animals will be provided with alternative accommodations ensuring the animals’ well-being.

4. Exceptions:

   • The Minister for Nature Protection can grant exceptions if suitable accommodations for the animals are unavailable.

5. Certificates and Permits:

   • New permits for keeping or showcasing non-domestic animals in traveling shows will no longer be issued, and existing permits will be revoked when animals leave.

6. Animal Registration:

   • Traveling establishments must register their animals in a national database within six months of the law’s promulgation.

This law seeks to protect wildlife and promote humane treatment by phasing out the use of non-domestic animals in traveling shows.

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India :

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972:

In India, the binturong is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which provides the highest level of protection. This includes a ban on hunting and trade, and offenses are punishable with imprisonment and fines. (the_wild_life_(protection)_act,_1972.pdf)

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The Management Authority of India informed the Secretariat that the Government of India has banned the export for commercial purposes of all wild specimens of species listed in CITES Appendices I, II and III, with the exception of certain plant foods.

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Indonesia :

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Act No. 5 of 1990 on Conservation of Living Resources and Their Ecosystems:

This act protects wildlife species, including the binturong, and prohibits their trade without proper authorization.

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Government Regulation No. 7 of 1999:

This regulation concerns the preservation of flora and fauna and includes provisions for the protection of species like the binturong.​

Commercial trade is permissible for second generation captive-bred individuals by facilities that have been approved by the government.​

According to the law and Gomez L. & Shepherd C. (2024), illegal possession of a protected species incurs a penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of IDR100mil (~ USD6,350). Based on seizure data analysis, most penalties meted out were low i.e., below 1 year imprisonment and fines of less than IDR5mil (~ USD318). (Lalita Gomez & Chris R. Shepherd, "The illegal trade of binturongs in Indonesia (arctictis binturong)", Discover Animals, Volume 1, article number 27)​

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Moreover, it is mainly from Indonesia that the sale of "kopi luwak" ("civet coffee"), generated by the excrement of civets, but also of binturongs on the island of Sumatra, is recorded.

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Internet :

In Gomez and Shepherd's study, there were at least 594 advertisements for binturongs observed during the survey period (1 July 2023 to 1 October 2023). The majority of these were found on Facebook (97.6%), and to a much lesser extent, on TikTok (2.2%) and one on Instagram.

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Japan :

Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (FEFTA) and the Customs Act:

Japan enforces CITES through the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (FEFTA) and the Customs Act. These laws regulate the import and export of CITES-listed species, including binturongs, ensuring that such trade does not threaten their survival. (traffic.org/site/assets/files/12923/crossing_the_red_line_en-forweb.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Binturongs are found in specific cafés, where people can feed and touch them.​​

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The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) oversees Japan's compliance with CITES, including the regulation of live wild animals and wildlife products. (About CITES / METI Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry)

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Korea (North) :

CITES Status:

North Korea is not a signatory to CITES, which complicates enforcement of international wildlife trade regulations within its borders. (Wildlife Under Siege: State-Linked Trafficking Uncovered in North Korea - Climate Fact Checks)

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Despite the lack of formal CITES obligations, there are reports of illegal wildlife trade activities, including the trade of endangered species like binturongs, often involving cross-border transactions. (Opinion: North Korea’s hidden wildlife trade: new research reveals state involvement | UCL News - UCL – University College London)

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Korea (South) :

​CITES Membership:

South Korea became a CITES Party in 1993. While there is no specific mention of binturongs, the country adheres to CITES regulations, which would apply to all Appendix III species, including binturongs. (Domestic measures | CITES)

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South Korea has implemented national regulations to control the import and export of CITES-listed species, ensuring that trade does not threaten their survival.

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Laos :​

Suspension of trade in specimens of CITES-listed species with the Lao People's Democratic Republic, in line with the recommendations of the Standing Committee. Recommendation maintained until further notice.

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Malaysia :

Protection of Wildlife Act 1972:

This act provides for the protection of wildlife in Malaysia, including the binturong. It prohibits hunting, capturing, and trading of protected species without appropriate licenses. (Malaysia_wildllife_Act686-5_8_2014.pdf)

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Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716):

This act provides for the conservation of wildlife in Malaysia, including the binturong. It prohibits the hunting, capturing, and trading of protected species without appropriate licenses. (faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/mal107883.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

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Maldives :

International Trade Controls on Endangered Species Act (Law No. 13/2022):

This act provides for the protection and preservation of the environment in the Maldives, including wildlife species like the binturong. It prohibits the hunting and trade of protected species without appropriate permits. This act establishes procedures for the trade and transfer of species and their parts, ensuring protection from unsustainable exploitation. (Maldives Enacts Int. Trade Controls on Endangered Species Act [13/2022])

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Myanmar (Burma) :

Protection of Wildlife and Protected Areas Law (1994):

This law provides for the protection of wildlife and wild plants in Myanmar, including the binturong. It prohibits the hunting and trade of protected species without proper authorization.

​This law mandates the protection of wild flora and fauna, their habitats, and representative ecosystems. (Microsoft Word - 17-Session-3.Biodiversity-and-Illegal-Wildlife-Trade-H.E.-Mya-Thein-National-Laws-Country-Paper.doc)

 

List of Protected Species (1996):

This list affords various degrees of protection to wild plants and animals according to their designation:

•  completely protected species may not be hunted except for scientific purposes under special license

• protected species may be hunted but only with special permission

• seasonally protected species are subjected to traditional subsistence hunting by rural communities only during the open (i.e., non-breeding) season.

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Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES):

Myanmar ratified CITES in 1997, committing to safeguard its wildlife through national legislation and international conventions. (Shepherd et al., 2022 - Wildlife conservation in Myanmar: trade in wild sheep and goats for meat, medicine, and trophies, with links to China, India, and Thailand | European Journal of Wildlife Research)

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Papua New Guinea :

Fauna (Protection and Control) Act 1966:

This act provides for the protection, control, harvesting, and destruction of fauna in Papua New Guinea. (png41662.pdf)

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International Trade (Fauna and Flora) Act 1979:

This act aims to further the conservation of the natural environment of Papua New Guinea and its native animals and plants by promoting their sustainable use.​ (International Trade (Fauna and Flora) Act 1979)

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Philippines :​​

Republic Act No. 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, 2001):

This act provides for the conservation and protection of wildlife resources and their habitats. It prohibits the collection, hunting, or possession of wildlife species without appropriate permits and imposes penalties for violations. (Republic Act 9147 | PCSD)

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The commercial export of wild-caught wildlife specimens is prohibited. Only specimens bred in captivity by breeders licensed and registered by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) can be exported.

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Singapore :

Wildlife Act (1965):

This act provides for the protection, preservation, and management of wildlife for the purposes of maintaining a healthy ecosystem and safeguarding public safety and health. (Wildlife Act 1965 - Singapore Statutes Online)

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Thailand :

Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act, B.E. 2535 (1992):

This act provides for the preservation and protection of wildlife in Thailand, including the binturong. It prohibits the hunting, capturing, and trading of protected species without appropriate licenses. (Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act, B)

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United States of America :

In the United States, the regulation of the trade in binturongs (Arctictis binturong), which are listed in CITES Appendix III by India, is governed by both federal and state laws. These laws aim to ensure that international trade does not threaten the species' survival in the wild.

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U.S. Federal Regulations : Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Wild Bird Conservation Act (WBCA) :

The U.S. enforces the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) through the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Wild Bird Conservation Act (WBCA). These laws regulate the import, export, and interstate commerce of CITES-listed species, including binturongs. Specifically, for Appendix-III species like the binturong, an export permit from the country of origin is required, and a certificate of origin is needed for specimens imported from countries that have not listed the species in Appendix III. (Understanding CITES Appendix III ; fws-cites.pdf) 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS):

The USFWS is the primary agency responsible for implementing and enforcing CITES regulations in the U.S. They issue the necessary permits and certificates for the legal trade of CITES-listed species and ensure compliance with both domestic and international laws. (CITES Appendices | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)

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State Regulations:

In addition to federal laws, individual states have their own regulations concerning the possession, sale, and transport of exotic animals, including binturongs. These laws can vary significantly from state to state. Some states have comprehensive regulations, while others have minimal or no specific laws regarding exotic pet ownership.

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1. States with Specific Regulations​

• California: Prohibits the import, transport, and possession of non-native species, including binturongs, without a permit.

• Florida: Requires a permit for the importation and possession of exotic animals.

• Texas: Allows the possession of exotic animals with a permit; however, local ordinances may impose additional restrictions.

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​2. States with Minimal or No Specific Regulations

• North Carolina: One of only four states with no state-wide laws on private ownership of exotic animals; regulation is left to individual counties. (Only Four States Have No Rules For Owning An Exotic Animal. North Carolina Is One. | WUNC)

• Nevada: Generally allows the possession of exotic animals without specific state-wide restrictions.

• Alabama: Has limited regulations on exotic animal ownership, with some counties imposing their own rules.

It's important to note that even in states with minimal regulations, local municipalities may have their own ordinances governing the possession and trade of exotic animals.

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In most states in the United States as well as Canada and many Western countries, it is illegal to keep binturongs as pets. States like California have the strictest laws and ban these animals altogether. However, there are also states in which the possession of exotic animals is not regulated at all and others may apply for a permit.

As binturongs are listed as vulnerable by the IUCN, their trade and import are prohibited. So, while it's probably legal to own in some states, legal issues can arise in addition to ethical concerns among other domestic issues, with a binturong as a pet.

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Vietnam :

In Vietnam, there are some recent reports of this species being kept as pets or as show animals in hotels, and the species is also traded for wild meat and traditional medicine markets, for which a wide range of animal species are hunted.​​​​