bilby

The bilby is a small to medium-sized marsupial in the genus Macrotis, native to arid and semi-arid regions of Australia. There are two recognized species: the greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) and the lesser bilby (Macrotis leucura), the latter believed extinct since the mid-20th century. Bilbies have a slender muzzle, large ears, soft grey fur with a white underside, and a long, tufted tail. They are primarily nocturnal and solitary, emerging at night to forage and returning to burrows by day.

Bilbies inhabit deserts, scrublands, and grasslands where sparse vegetation and loose soil allow burrow systems. They dig with strong forelimbs and claws, creating complex burrows that can provide shelter from heat and predators. Their diet is omnivorous, including insects, seeds, fruits, fungi, roots, and small vertebrates. Foraging is typically by scent and sound, with feeding activity concentrated at night.

Reproduction occurs year-round in suitable conditions. The female has a pouch, and litter sizes range from one to four joeys. Gestation is brief, followed by a prolonged pouch phase lasting several months, during which the young develop and eventually emerge to live independently. In the wild, bilbies face threats from habitat loss, altered fire regimes, and predation by introduced foxes and feral cats; competition with rabbits can also impact food resources. The greater bilby is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, while the lesser bilby is considered extinct. Conservation efforts in Australia include habitat restoration, predator control, captive breeding, and reintroduction programs in protected areas. The bilby also serves as a cultural symbol of Australian wildlife and has been promoted in various conservation campaigns.