Greater Bilby

Macrotis lagotis

Conservation Status

Near Threatened

Mammalia · Peramelemorphia · Thylacomyidae

About

The greater bilby or often simply bilby, is a long-eared, rabbit-like mammal native to Australia. It lives in burrows and is active at night, feeding on insects, fruit, or fungi. The bilby is a marsupial and carries its young in a pouch. Threats include habitat loss, disease, and introduced predators such as foxes. Formerly widespread, bilbies are now restricted to arid parts of northwestern and central Australia.

Fun Fact

Greater bilbies have one of the shortest gestation periods of any mammal — just 12 to 14 days — after which the tiny, jellybean-sized newborn crawls into the mother's backward-facing pouch.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Arid grasslands and deserts

Diet

Omnivore

Lifespan

6-7 years

Threats

Overgrazing
Urban Expansion
Illegal Wildlife Trade

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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