FaunaHub
VUVulnerablePartial review

Greater Bilby

Macrotis lagotis

Greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis), a long-eared burrowing marsupial.

Greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis).

Image: Mertie ., CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

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.

Gallery

A greater bilby showing its long ears and snout.

Greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis).

Image: Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Sources

Sources for Greater Bilby

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: