Macrotis

The genus Macrotis refers to bilbies, which are small, burrowing, nocturnal marsupials native to Australia. Bilbies are closely related to bandicoots. They are characterized by their long snouts, long ears, and blue-gray fur with a white underbelly.12

Bilbies are omnivorous, feeding on seeds, bulbs, insects, worms, and small animals. Their natural predators include eagles, pythons, and monitor lizards, but invasive species like red foxes, feral cats, and dingoes pose a significant threat to their populations.1

These marsupials are solitary and construct burrows for shelter. Females have a short gestation period and can have multiple litters per year, typically giving birth to one to four joeys.1

Bilby populations have declined due to habitat loss and increased predation. While once widespread, they are now primarily found in desert regions of northwestern Australia. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) currently classifies the bilby as vulnerable.1