Greater bilby  (Macrotis lagotis)

Description

The greater bilby is the largest of the small, rat-like marsupials(4) that are known as bandicoots (5). It has a comical appearance with its oversized hairless ears and long slender hind legs that resemble those of a kangaroo (6). The soft, silky coat is a bluey-grey colour with subtle tan markings and a white belly (7). The long tail is grey towards the body and then black, followed by white at the tip (6). It is carried like a stiff banner during the bilby's cantering run (7), and there is a tuft of elongated hairs folding over the naked tail tip (6). Bilbies also have a long, pink and hairless snout (5).

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