Macrotis is a genus of desert-dwelling marsupial omnivores known as bilbies or rabbit-bandicoots; they are members of the order Peramelemorphia. At the time of European colonisation of Australia, there were two species. The lesser bilby became extinct in the 1950s; the greater bilby survives but remains endangered. It is currently listed as a vulnerable species.
The greater bilby is on average 55 cm long, excluding the tail, which is usually around 29 cm long. Its fur is usually grey or white; it has a long, pointy nose and very long ears, hence the reference of its nickname to rabbits.
Bilbies in Australia are associated with Easter and a great fund-raising effort to save the species from extinction comes to the fore during this time of the year, where the animal plays the role of Easter mascot, just as the Easter Bunny does in other parts of the world.
Happy Easter
To All who Celebrate it!
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What a cute critter, the Bilby is new to me. Great photo Nick!
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a happy Easter weekend.
Oh my! What an adorable little critter. I hope he survives and thrives in years to dome!
ReplyDeleteWe learned about the Easter Bilby on one of our trips to Australia, and find this story very lovely. I enjoyed seeing some of the children’s books about the Easter Bilby.
ReplyDeletebest… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Bilbies are such fascinating creatures, and it's great to see them taking the spotlight at Easter to raise awareness and funds for their conservation—what a meaningful alternative to the traditional Easter Bunny!
ReplyDeleteLovely :)
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed Easter!
I have never seen a bilby before, but it doesn't really look like a rabbit or a bandicoot. Where do they thrive, other than our wide, brown land?
ReplyDeleteI hope those interested succeed in removing the greater bilby from the vulnerable species list. Beautiful photo.
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