Creator Gould's Mammals of Australia (1845-1863)

Date 1863

The bilby (Macrotis lagotis) is also known as the Greater Bilby, in constrast to the Lesser Bilby (Macrotis leucura) which became extinct in the 1950s. The bilby is a threatened species of northwestern Australia. With it's long ears and burrowing behaviour, this charming marsupial has gained popularity in Australia as a substitute emblem for the Easter Bunny - a European rabbit responsible for much of the habitat loss of Australia's native animals. (Syn Peragalea lagotis: Gould)

Source: Smithsonian Library