Greater Bilby

Greater Bilby

Also known as the Rabbit-eared Bandicoot, the Bilby indeed has long rabbit-like ears and soft fur. It has a long pointed snout and long black tail with a white tip. Males grow to about 50cm long, with a 29 cm tail, whereas females are smaller.

Generally solitary, Bilbys are slow moving animals. They have strong claws and are efficient diggers, and can disappear from sight within minutes. Their burrows are about 2 metres deep and spiral very steeply downwards, making it difficult for foxes and cats to access.
Open arid country of spinifex grasslands and acacia shrublands is the preferred habitat of the Bilby, which requires sandy or loamy soil for burrowing

A Bilby makes use of many burrows, often up to 25. It is nocturnal, and visits several burrows during the night's feeding. Of these, one is chosen as the place to spend sheltering from the heat of the day.

Our Greater Bilby

Information to follow soon

Conservation Status

Vulnerable

Species Name

Macrotis lagotis

Distribution

Northern Australia, desert areas

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