Tasmanian Bettong

Bettongs typically reach two kilogram in weight and are coloured brown-grey above and white below. The tail of the bettong is as long as the head and body.

The bettong is only found in the eastern half of Tasmania. It became extinct on mainland Australia in the early decades of the 20^th century, largely because of predation by foxes and large scale land clearance.

The bettong prefers dry, open eucalypt forests and grassy woodlands and is nocturnal, spending the hours of daylight in a domed, camouflaged nest of grass. The bettong may travel up to 1.5 kilometres (one mile) from the nest to a feeding area - quite a journey for an animal this size.

They eat seeds, roots, bulbs and insects, but underground fungi are a favourite item on the menu. Predators include masked owls, eastern quolls, and feral cats and dogs.

Bettongs have no specific breeding season, as they are capable of giving birth throughout the year. Gestation is 21 days. Because of the relatively short time that young bettongs spend in the pouch, these animals can produce up to three young per year.

The species is wholly protected.

• Where to find them.