BILBY


The Bilby, one of the most fragile and unusual looking of all the bandicoot family, has declined in numbers by approximately 70 per cent and now only remains with small threatened populations in Western Australia’s desert regions. Bilbies have long rabbit-like ears, and in recent years, there have been calls for this strikingly attractive and uniquely Australian mammal to replace the Easter bunny. A long pointed snout and a long black tail, which is white on the latter half. They are covered with soft bluish-grey fur. They are slow moving but have superb hearing. Strong claws and are very efficient burrowers, the burrows go down in a steep spiral to a depth of two metres. The steep decent makes it difficult for predators such as foxes and cats to unearth a Bilby. However, they were a favourite food of Aboriginal people. Once distributed throughout arid and semi-arid Australia, the Bilby is now confined to northern deserts, including parts of the Pilbara. It is a threatened species.

The 'Australiana Collection' wildlife design portrays the beauty of the solitary and secretive Bilby.

Australiana Collection