Habitat
Arid and semi-arid regions
Current Distribution
Deserts of central Australia
Status
CITES Appendix 1
Population
The bilby was very common in the early 1990s. There are no current population estimates available, but the species is known to have declined severely in number and distribution
Threats
Habitat degradation from the effects of rabbits, feral or controlled stock; predation by introduced predators such as cats and foxes; and changes in fire regime for the creation of suitable habitat.
Conservation
Enhancing habitat diversity with the use of fire, and control of rabbits. Population surveys and reintroductions to protected land if predators, often feral mammals, can be controlled.
Size
Males: 50 to 85cm. Females: 50 to 65cm
Weight
Average for an adult males 2kg; females 1kg
Special features
A nocturnal burrowing marsupial
File last modified Thursday, October 3, 1996