Greater Bilby
Conservation

The Greater Bilby is a shy, nocturnal marsupial that inhabits arid and semi-arid areas of Australia. Prior to the introduction of feral predators such as foxes and cats, the Greater Bilby was found throughout much of mainland Australia.

The distribution of the Greater Bilby is now significantly reduced (by as much as 80% of the former range) and at serious risk of extinction. Predation by foxes and feral cats remains the most significant threat to the survival of this species in the wild.

Protecting the Greater Bilby in the wild

The most effective protection for Greater Bilbies in their wild habitat has been to build and maintain feral predator-free areas. Several predator-proof facilities are now in operation around Australia and are providing a safe refuge for Greater Bilbies and other species within their natural habitats.

A small bilby with large ears and a long black-tipped tail is walking on sandy ground near some rocks.
A close-up of a bilby with large ears, grey fur, and a long snout, standing on sandy ground.

Saving the Greater Bilby through specialist care breeding

The specialist care component of the Greater Bilby conservation program is managed by the Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA). Greater Bilbies are bred in specialist care throughout Australia in ZAA-accredited facilities, including Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

These Greater Bilbies are part of a meta-population that is managed to ensure genetic diversity and sustainable population numbers. Each year, Greater Bilbies from the specialist care breeding program are selected for release at the predator-proof facilities.

How you can help save the Greater Bilby

A small, gray and white marsupial with large ears walking on sandy ground.

Come & See Greater Bilbies

Visit the Greater Bilbies at Cururmbin Wildlife Sanctuary and learn more about this species.

A small, gray and brown marsupial with large ears walks on sandy ground.

Help Greater Bilbies

Support our Greater Bilby conservation with a donation.

Jingeri – Hello

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the greater Yugambeh language region, the Country on which Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and Hospital are situated today. We recognise their continuing connections to the land, sky, waters (waterways), and wildlife. We thank them for caring for this Country and its ecosystems.

We celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and we pay our respect to Elders past and present.

Birds
A vibrant red and orange bird