Where does the greater bilby live?
The greater bilby is a long-eared, rabbit-like marsupial of the Australian desert. Formerly widespread, it is now restricted to parts of north-western and central Australia due to threats like habitat loss, disease and introduced predators such as foxes. It lives in burrows: it typically makes several burrows within its home range, up to about a dozen, and moves between them.
What does the greater bilby eat?
The bilby is active at night, feeding on insects, fruit or fungi. It has a long bandicoot muzzle and very long ears, which give it better hearing. Compared to bandicoots, it has a longer tail, bigger ears and softer, silky fur. Its coat is blue-grey, with beige spots on the back.
Is the greater bilby endangered?
Yes: the IUCN lists it as Vulnerable. The lesser bilby became extinct in the 1950s, which is why the greater bilby is now commonly called simply bilby. The name comes from Yuwaalaraay, an Aboriginal language, where it means "long-nosed rat".
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