Nature conservation

Threatened species

Tasmanian Bettong - profile

Indicative distribution


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Key:
known
predicted
The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Bettongia gaimardi
Conservation status in NSW: Extinct
Commonwealth status: Extinct
Profile last updated: 12 Apr 2024

Description

The Tasmanian Bettong (Bettongia gaimardi), also known as the Southern or Eastern Bettong, has a small, compact body, with an average total length of 65 cm. The tail of the Tasmanian Bettong tends to be slightly longer than its head-body measurement, although both range between 32–33 cm in adults. Males are slightly longer and thinner than females, although there are no pronounced differences in appearance between the sexes. The Tasmanian Bettong weighs 1.2–2.3 kg.

Distribution

The mainland race (gaimardi) of Tasmanian Bettong disappeared around the 1920s from the Australian mainland where it was formerly distributed along the coastal areas of eastern Australia, from south-east Queensland to the south-east tip of South Australia. The Tasmanian race (cuniculus) is regarded as relatively secure although any increase in fox numbers may cause it to be become threatened.

Habitat and ecology

  • The Tasmanian Bettong is a nocturnal animal. During the day it sleeps in a nest it constructs out of grasses and leaves.
  • Based on the diet and habits of the Tasmanian populations, it is assumed that the mainland populations of Tasmanian Bettongs were mycophagous (fungi eating). Fungi may have comprised as much as 80% of their diet, with seeds, roots and bulbs making up the remainder. They may have foraged by hopping slowly and using their forelimbs to dig for food. Their home ranges were likley between 65–135 ha.
  • It is likely that Tasmanian Bettongs were associated on the mainland with grassland areas, heathlands and sclerophyll woodland. Their nests are densely woven from dry grass and bark.
  • Like other bettongs, the Tasmanian Bettong is a continuous breeder. It produces young all year, with a gestation period of only three weeks. Their lifespan is likely between three and six years.
  • Both sexes would have been territorial and led solitary lives except during the mating season or when a female was with her young before weaning.
  • Studies indicated that male Tasmanian Bettongs did not partake in parenting, with females being solely responsible for the young. The females would carry each offspring first in utero and then in the pouch, protecting and nursing it until the offspring had become independent.


Threats

Recovery strategies

Activities to assist this species

Information sources

IBRA Bioregion IBRA Subregion Known or predicted Geographic restrictions region
Other StateQLD Known None