Scientific Name: Macrotis lagotis
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
Length: 29–55 cm
Weight: 800–2500 g
Gestation: 14–21 days
Number of young: 2
Distribution: Central Australia
Habitat: Desert
Description: Bilbies have long, soft, blue-grey fur; large, rabbit-like ears which help to dispel heat, and a long, pointed muzzle. The tail, which is 20–29 cm long, is mostly black except for the white tip.
Diet: Bilbies are omnivores and eat insects, seeds, bulbs, fruit and fungi.
In the wild: Bilbies build burrows that spiral down to depths of two metres and usually house only a single Bilby. A Bilby will remain in its burrow throughout the day and only venture out after dark.
Threats: Loss of habitat and introduced predators—such as cats and foxes—are the main threats to Bilbies.
At Perth Zoo: You can see the Bilbies in the Nocturnal House.
Join the Perth Zoo-coordinated Tiwest Night Stalk from 1 September to 16 October and spotlight for native animals in your local bushland. Tiwest Night Stalk is a great way to become involved in community conservation action and to learn about our native animals, their habitat and their threats.
Did you know? Bilbies have very powerful forelimbs and strong claws, which are used for digging for food and burrows. If an attempt is made to dig a Bilby out of its burrow, the Bilby will frantically extend the burrow in the other direction to avoid capture.
Download the Bilby Fact Sheet (pdf).
