Appendix+6

The Bilby

The bilby is a small nocturnal animal. It is a member of a group of marsupials known as bandicoots. It’s scientific name is macrotis logotis. The bilby is considered vulnerable which means it is likely tobecome endangered if the something is not done to protect them.
 * Introduction **

The bilby is a small animal with large pointy ears and a banded tail. They have long pointed snouts and silky blue-grey fur. Their bodies range in size from 29 centimetres up to 55 centimetres. They have tails which are almost as long as their bodies. The males are usually twice as big as the females. They weigh up to 2.5 kilograms. They have very strong front legs and claws which they use for burrowing and digging for food. The bilby has poor vision but their hearing is very good.
 * Description of Appearance **

The bilby used to live in many areas throughout Australia. Now they are just found in the Tanami Desert in the Northern Territory, the Gibson Desert and the Great Sandy Desert in Western Australia and the Mitchell grasslands in Queensland. They live in burrows during the day. The burrows are usually hidden by a bush or a termite mound and are about 2 metres down.
 * Description of Habitat **