An intriguing marsupial indigenous to Australia and a proud symbol of the country’s unique wildlife. The greater bilby is the larger of the two species that once made up the genus Macrotis; its cousin, the lesser bilby, became extinct around the mid-20th century. The bilby is distinctive, with a series of physical and behavioral traits that make it particularly well-suited to life in the arid, desert regions of Australia.

Physically, the bilby is immediately recognizable by its large, rabbit-like ears which it uses to dissipate heat and listen for predators or prey. It has a soft, silky coat of blue-grey fur with a lighter underbelly and a bushy black and white tail that enhances its distinctive appearance. Its long, pointed snout is an adaptation for its omnivorous diet, which includes insects, seeds, bulbs, fruit, and small animals. Bilbies are nocturnal, coming out at night to take advantage of the cooler temperatures for foraging.

One of the greater bilby’s most fascinating traits is its digging capability. The bilby has strong forearms and long claws designed for digging extensive burrow systems. These burrows are deep and complex, with multiple exits, providing protection from predators and extreme temperatures. The structure of these burrows also benefits the ecosystem, as they help aerate the soil and recycle nutrients.

Bilbies are solitary animals, only coming together for breeding. They communicate through a series of soft grunts and squeaks. This behavior, along with their elusive, nocturnal nature, makes the bilby a somewhat mysterious figure in the Australian outback.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Australia

Official estimate

EX

Extinct locally: New South Wales

Australia

9,000-15,000

Official estimate

VU

2015