Rufous Bettong

Also known as the rufous rat-kangaroo

Rufous bettongs are rabbit-sized marsupials from the Potoridae family (which also include the eastern, northern and brush-tailed bettongs), they are endemic to Australia, mospread out in Queensland. They are named rat-kangaroos because they hop just like their larger cousins. Unfortunately some of these bettong species are endangered due to the presence of foxes and feral acts, which were first introduced to Asutralia by English settlers. Luckily, the Rufous bettong itself is of Least Concern. Bettongs are essential for Asutralian forests to thrive as their digging for fungi, especially truffles, allows for the dispersion of spores, alowing them to attach to tree roots which in turn can access more nutrients and water. This is why bettongs are considered to be ecological engineeers. A Univeristy of Queensland PhD student will be investigating the behaviour of the Rufous Bettong before and after the fire season with volunteers.

Learn more about bettongs