At a glance
- IUCN category
- VU · Vulnerable
- Animal group
- Mammals
- Population trend
- Decreasing
- Last verified
Conservation overview
The greater bilby is a long-eared, burrowing marsupial of the Australian deserts. It is assessed as Vulnerable.
It digs extensive burrows and has become an Australian symbol, including an 'Easter Bilby'.
Range & habitat
Arid and semi-arid Australia, in a much-reduced range.
Major threats
Threats below are drawn from the authoritative sources listed on this page. For the current, complete assessment, see the IUCN Red List.
- Introduced foxes and cats
- Competition from rabbits and livestock
- Habitat change
Why it matters
A burrowing marsupial that aerates soil and shelters other species, the bilby is a flagship for Australia's arid-zone conservation and predator control.
Sources
Sources for Greater Bilby
- IUCN Red List — look up Greater Bilby (authoritative status)
- Animal Diversity Web
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'Easter Bilby'?
To raise awareness of this native species and discourage introduced rabbits, Australia promotes the bilby as an Easter symbol in place of the Easter bunny.
Why is the greater bilby Vulnerable?
Published assessments cite introduced foxes and cats, competition from rabbits and livestock, and habitat change, which have shrunk its range. See the IUCN Red List.
Last updated: