Greater bilbies are small marsupials that inhabit arid areas of West and Central Australia.

Statistics
The males may grow up to half a metre long, with a tail up to 290 millimetres, but females are smaller.

Physical description
Bilbies have long rabbit-like ears, a long pointed snout and a long black tail, which is white on the latter half. They are covered with soft bluish-grey fur.

Distribution
Once distributed throughout arid and semi-arid Australia, the bilby is now confined to northern deserts, including parts of the Pilbara.

Habitat
Open arid country with spinifex grasslands and acacia shrublands.

Diet
They feed on insects, seeds, bulbs, fruits, fungi

Behaviour
Bilbies are largely solitary, widely dispersed and found in low numbers. They are comparatively slow-moving but have superb hearing. They also have strong claws and are very efficient burrowers. In sandy soil they can disappear from sight within three minutes. Their burrows go down in a steep spiral to a depth of around two metres. The steep descent makes it very difficult for predators such as foxes and cats to unearth a bilby. However, they are a favourite food of Aboriginal people. Bilbies dig burrows wherever they go and may use as many as two dozen at any one time. These nocturnal animals always feed close to a burrow, mostly within 100 metres or so, and may visit several burrows each night before choosing one in which to spend the daylight hours.

Reproduction
Bilbies have a high breeding rate in good times and can breed throughout the year, an adaptation which allows them to quickly take advantage of good seasons in the harsh desert environment.

Conservation status
Bilbies are listed by the IUCN as Vulnerable.