Marsupial Spotlight: Bilby

Bilbies are tiny rodent-like marsupials who have a close relation to the bandicoot. They are very small; however, they can range from 11 to 22 inches long. Although, they still have the long snouts, the main thing that differentiates them from the bandicoot is that they have longer tails, softer and silkier fur, and much larger ears. As to the latter, the bilby's ears are very hot. NO! Not that kinda of hot. They actually radiate heat!

The bilby are also sometimes called a rabbit-bandicoot, a dalgyte, a pinkie, and it is often called by its scientific name macrotis. There are two kinds: The lesser bilby and the greater bilby. I am sad to say that the lesser breed has officially become extinct as of the 1950s. The greater bilby is alive and well in Northwest Australia. Their conservation status is listed as "Vulnerable," which basically means that they are in danger of becoming extinct if occasional action is not taken. Don't worry! I'm rooting for them!

Unlike the bandicoot, the bilby is extremely good at burrowing. They create complex tunnels that spiral downward. This shape makes it very difficult for predators to get in. They also only come up at nighttime for their own protection. Bilbies are omnivores. Their diets include seeds, larvae, spiders fungi, and different kinds of small animals.

These marsupials love to be alone; however, they will pair up in twos as a matter of safety. Yep! They use the buddy system! It is a bit more common for females to group up with another female. They will also assist each other with child care. On that note, bilbies have pouches. They do not have the correct kind of pouch in order to be called macropods; however, their pouch is still pretty cool. Unlike the kangaroo, their pouches face downward. Now, take a moment and try and figure out why that is. I have already said something earlier in the blog that explains this phenomenon.

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Have you figured it out yet? Well, here is why. Because the bilbies are such skilled burrowers, they needed a downward-facing pouch so that it would not scoop up dirt on their way down. It would have likely suffocated the children inside.

I know of no fiction for the bilby. Americans rarely ever hear of the creature, but they are known well-enough in Australia. It is likely there has been a book or two about them for children. One of the reasons I think so is because Australia actually has a National Bilby Day held on the second Sunday of September. On this day, many people donate money to help keep the little pinkies from going extinct. Having a national holiday will likely acquire you at least one book deal.

Personally, I see bilbies as skillful and versatile farmers. They are pioneers who spread out in a country--sometimes in pairs--and farm the land for the good of civilization. When family matters become important, I see them helping one another for a time. Just imagine "Little House on the Prairie" but with bilbies.

I love the bilbies. They are very cute and definitely get a one-up over their cousins, the bandicoots. Their big, warm ears seem like a great gimmick. I would love to rub them between my fingers. The bilby is another example of the wide range of marsupials. Normally, they are very big, but they can also be very small as well.

Thank you for reading my blog. If you enjoyed it, you can comment below, or you can email me at tooie@tooiekangaroo.com. "They're warm..."