Bettongia lesueur (Quoy and Gaimard, 1824)

Burrowing Bettong

Species recognized by The Integrated Taxonomic Information System external link, T Orrell (custodian) in 
IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened (NT) external link Showing: scientific names

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Overview

Biology

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ARKive external link
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Copyright Wildscreen 2003-2008. Some rights reserved external link
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Burrowing bettongs are strictly nocturnal and use scent to locate food, which they then dig out of the ground using their muscular limbs. This species feeds on tubers, bulbs, seed nuts, plants and fungi, termites and marine refuse (4). Burrowing bettongs have also been observed eating carrion and raiding vegetable gardens (4). Social groups consist of one male and several females. They dig and occupy a simple burrow which may have a short tunnel and 1-2 entrances or a large warren with more than 100 entrances. One of these warrens may house more than 50 individuals from several groups. Males are aggressive towards other males and defend the females in their group (4). Females produce up to three litters each year with one offspring per litter, though twins are occasionally born. Females will mate again shortly after giving birth. However, the second offspring is not born for around four months as embryonic development is delayed. This allows the first-born to be nurtured by the mother and gives it a better chance of survival (4). If the first young dies, embryonic development of the following offspring begins. Gestation lasts for only 21 days, and sexual maturity is attained within one year (4).
"Bettongia lesueur (Quoy and Gaimard, 1824)". Encyclopedia of Life, available from "http://www.eol.org/pages/128422". Accessed 19 Mar 2010.