Mammal · GBIF taxon 5219460
Greater Bilby
Macrotis lagotisAlso known as Dalgyte, Pinkie, Rabbit-eared Bandicoot
Greater bilbies build extensive spiral burrow systems up to three meters deep, which provide shelter from extreme desert heat and refuge from predators. These nocturnal marsupials rely on their oversized ears to detect subterranean sound signatures of termites, using powerful forepaws to excavate prey. As ecosystem engineers, their digging activity aerates hard-baked desert soils and traps moisture and seeds, facilitating plant germination.
NocturnalBurrowingMarsupial
Licensed reference(c) Bernard DUPONT, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
—observations
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VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Termites
- Beetle Larvae
- Grass Seeds
Predators
- Red Fox
- Feral Cat
- Dingo
ThreatsPredation by invasive foxes and cats, habitat destruction, fire regime changes
HabitatsSpinifex grasslands, acacia shrublands, arid deserts
Life span6–10 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyThylacomyidae
- SpeciesMacrotis lagotis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of delivering a sharp scratch or bite if cornered; observe from a distance.
- What to notice
- Look for long rabbit-like ears, silky grey fur, a pointed snout, and a distinctive black-and-white tufted tail.
- Support conservation
- Observe strictly from a distance without disturbing burrows or using bright white lighting at night.
Responsible observation
- Nighttime Viewing: Use red-filtered flashlights to observe nocturnal foraging without startling the animal.
- Burrow Care: Keep clear of mound entrances to avoid collapsing fragile subterranean tunnel networks.
- Pet Control: Ensure domestic dogs are leashed near wildlife sanctuaries to prevent predation.
Predator "Red Fox" by Mike's Birds is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/. · cc-by-sa
Predator (c) chloe ⋆˚꩜｡, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Relative
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