What is Bilby?
{{taxobox | name = Bilbies | image = Easter Bilby.jpg | image_width = 230px | image_desciption = Greater Bilby (''Macrotis lagotis'') | regnum = [[Animal]]ia | phylum = [[Chordate|Chordata]] | classis = [[Mammal]]ia | infraclassis = [[Marsupial]]ia | ordo = [[Peramelemorphia]] | familia = '''Thylacomyidae''' | familia_authority = [[Bensley (biologist)|Bensley]], 1903 | genus = '''''Macrotis''''' | genus_authority = [[Reid (taxonomy)|Reid]], 1837 | subdivision_ranks = Species | subdivision = * ''[[Greater Bilby|Macrotis lagotis]]'' * †''[[Lesser Bilby|Macrotis leucura]]'' }} The '''bilby''' (also known as the '''rabbit-eared bandicoot''') is a [[rabbit]]-like [[marsupial]]. It lives in [[deserts]], dry [[forests]], dry [[grasslands]], and dry [[shrub]]by areas in [[Australia]]. The bilby's pouch faces backwards. These big-eared, burrowing mammals were in danger of [[extinction]], but now they are back living in [[New South Wales]].<ref>Bilbies back in New South Wales. [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-australia-53359714/the-bilbies-thriving-after-a-100-year-absence-in-new-south-wales]</ref> The bilby, like all [[bandicoot]]s, is a [[nocturnal]] animal (most active at night). Digging with its strong, clawed feet, this solitary mammal excavates long, complex burrows. Its underground dens are up to 5 feet (1.5 m) long. Bilbies have the usual long bandicoot muzzle and big ears. They are about {{convert|29–55|cm|in|abbr=on}} long. Compared to bandicoots, they have a longer [[tail]], bigger ears, and softer, silky [[fur]]. The size of their ears allows them to have better hearing, and to radiate heat.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/wildlife/threatened-species/endangered/endangered-animals/bilby.html|title=Greater bilby|date=2003-08-08|website=Department of Environment and Science - Queensland Government|language=en-AU|access-date=2019-04-23|archive-date=2019-04-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423134731/https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/wildlife/threatened-species/endangered