bear cat
Noun: 1. A reddish-brown Old World carnivore resembling a raccoon: "Bear cat" is a common name for the binturong (Arctictis binturong), a mammal native to Southeast Asia. It is not a true bear or cat, but has a long, prehensile tail and shaggy, dark fur that can appear reddish-brown. 2. A term sometimes historically used for the giant panda: In some older or informal classifications, the name "bear cat" was also applied to the giant panda due to its bear-like and cat-like physical features. However, this usage is now rare and scientifically imprecise.
- Referring to the binturong:
- The bear cat, or binturong, is known for the smell of popcorn from its scent glands.
- We saw a bear cat using its strong, prehensile tail to climb a tree at the sanctuary.
- Historical/Informal reference to the panda:
- Early explorers sometimes called the giant panda a "bear cat" because of its unique appearance.
- "Lesser panda" vs. "Bear cat": The term "bear cat" should not be confused with the "lesser panda" or red panda (), which is a different, smaller species.
- Zoological context: In modern zoology, "bear cat" is considered a vernacular name, not a scientific one. The preferred term is binturong.
- Binturong (n): The scientific and more precise common name for the animal most often called a bear cat.
- The binturong is a vulnerable species due to habitat loss.
- Civet (n): A general term for cat-like mammals in the family Viverridae, which includes the binturong.
- The bear cat is the largest member of the civet family.
- Binturong: The direct synonym and more accurate term.
- Asian bearcat: A variant of the common name.
The primary and most accurate modern meaning of "bear cat" is the binturong. Its historical use for the giant panda is largely obsolete and can cause confusion. The word is a compound noun formed from "bear" and "cat" due to the animal's physical resemblance to both.
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reddish-brown Old World raccoon-like carnivore; in some classifications considered unrelated to the giant pandas
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