They are completely adorable. Long ears, long snout and that cute white tipped tail. Sadly, there are now only a few hundred bilbies living in their natural habitat. Once found in all mainland states, bilbies have disappeared from 80% of its former range. 80%!!
Many years ago I said ‘yes’ to an adventure to Currawinya National Park, western Queensland. A specialised fence had been carefully designed and constructed so that bilbies could survive without the threat of feralcats and foxes. I was there when the fence was completed, even got a few photos with the remarkable people who came up with the idea and made it happen. I can vividly remember the generosity of the people, the clear night sky, the enormous campfire and a close encounter with a real life bilby. I can also vividly remember the numerous chocolate bilbies secretly left for each of us which had morphed into an unrecognisable mess when the cheeky morning sun raised before we did. The knowledge and memories from an adventure like this does not fade, my love for bilbies remains strong to this day.
Make this easter the time to kick out the introduced rabbit from your chocolate list. The Easter Bilby is a true Aussie icon and this species needs our help to survive. Purchase Fyna Foods chocolate bilbies (they have a distinct green tag) and they will donate part of the sales to the Save the Bilby Fund – the heroes behind the fence. You can find them at Myer, David Jones and Target. Just keep them out of the sun!
If you are planning your own adventure to western Queensland, don’t miss the Charleville Bilby Experience http://www.charlevillebilbyexperience.com.au
Share the bilby love, share the knowledge. Protect our native wildlife.
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