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{{Short description|Species of marsupial}}
{{Taxobox
{{Speciesbox
| name = Eastern bettong<ref name=MSW3>{{MSW3 Groves|pages=57}}</ref>
| name = Eastern bettong<ref name=MSW3>{{MSW3 Groves|pages=57}}</ref>
| status = NT
⚫
| status_system = iucn3.1
| status_ref = <ref name=iucn>{{IUCN2008|assessors=Menkhorst, P.|year=2008|id=2783|title=Bettongia gaimardi|downloaded=29 December 2008}} Database entry includes justification for why this species is listed as near threatened</ref>
| image = Bettongia gaimardi.jpg
| image = Bettongia gaimardi.jpg
| regnum = [[Animal]]ia
| status = NT
⚫
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| phylum = [[Chordate|Chordata]]
| status_ref = <ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021">{{cite iucn |author=Burbidge, A.A. |author2=Woinarski, J. |author3=Johnson, C.N. |date=2016 |title=''Bettongia gaimardi'' |volume=2016 |page=e.T2783A21960911 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T2783A21960911.en |access-date=12 November 2021}}</ref>
| classis = [[Mammal]]ia
| status2 = CITES_A1
| infraclassis = [[Marsupialia]]
| status2_system = CITES
| ordo = [[Diprotodontia]]
| status2_ref = <ref>{{Cite web|title=Appendices {{!}} CITES|url=https://cites.org/eng/app/appendices.php|access-date=2022-01-14|website=cites.org}}</ref>
| familia = [[Potoroidae]]
| genus = ''[[Bettongia]]''
| genus = Bettongia
| species = '''''B. gaimardi'''''
| species = gaimardi
⚫
| authority = ([[Anselme Gaëtan Desmarest|Desmarest]], 1822)
| binomial = ''Bettongia gaimardi''
⚫
| subdivision_ranks = Subspecies
⚫
| binomial_authority = ([[Anselme Gaëtan Desmarest|Desmarest]], 1822)
⚫
| range_map = Eastern Bettong2.png
⚫
| range_map_caption = Present distribution of ''Bettongia gaimardi''
⚫
| subdivision_ranks = [[Subspecies]]
| subdivision =
| subdivision =
''Bettongia gaimardi cuniculus''<br />
''Bettongia gaimardi cuniculus''<br />
†''Bettongia gaimardi gaimardi''
†''Bettongia gaimardi gaimardi''
⚫
| range_map = Eastern Bettong2.png
⚫
| range_map_caption = Present distribution of ''Bettongia gaimardi''
}}
}}


The '''eastern bettong''' (''Bettongia gaimardi''), also known as the '''southern bettong''' and '''Tasmanian bettong''', is a [[bettong]] whose natural range includes south-eastern [[Australia]] and the eastern part of [[Tasmania]].<ref name=MSW3/><ref name=Rose1997>Rose, R. (1997). ''[http://www.epress.com/w3jbio/vol2/rose/rose.htm Metabolic rate and thermal conductance in a mycophagous marsupial, ''Bettongia gaimardi'']''. The World Wide Web Journal of Biology 2: 2-7.</ref>
The '''eastern bettong''' ('''''Bettongia gaimardi'''''), also known as the '''southern''' or '''Tasmanian bettong''', is a small, hopping, rat-like mammal native to grassy forests of southeastern Australia and [[Tasmania]]. A member of the rat-kangaroo family ([[Potoroidae]]), it is active at night and feeds on fungi and plant roots. Like most [[Marsupial|marsupials]], it carries its young in a pouch. The eastern bettong is under pressure by introduced predators and habitat loss. The subspecies on mainland Australia (''B.&nbsp;g. gaimardi'') is extinct, but populations of the Tasmanian subspecies (''B.&nbsp;g. cuniculus'') have been reintroduced there.<ref name="MSW3" /><ref name="Rose1997">Rose, R. (1997). ''[http://www.epress.com/w3jbio/vol2/rose/rose.htm Metabolic rate and thermal conductance in a mycophagous marsupial, ''Bettongia gaimardi'']''. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080723165621/http://www.epress.com/w3jbio/vol2/rose/rose.htm |date=2008-07-23 }} The World Wide Web Journal of Biology 2: 2-7.</ref>

The animal is called ''balbo'' by the [[Ngunnawal]], an Aboriginal people who used to keep them as pets.{{Dubious|date=November 2019}}


==Subspecies==
==Subspecies==
Two formerly recognised species, ''Bettongia cuniculus'' (Tasmanian bettong) and ''Bettongia gaimardi'' (eastern bettong), were placed into a single species with two subspecies by Wakefield in 1967.<ref name=wakefield>Wakefield, N. (1967). Some taxonomic revision in the Australian marsupial genus ''Bettongia'', with description of a new species. The Victorian Naturalist. 84:8-22.</ref><ref name=augov>Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (2011). ''Bettongia gaimardi gaimardi'' in Species Profile and Threats Database, Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Canberra. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat. Accessed Thu, 29 Dec 2011 06:51:31 +1100. (http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=66656)</ref> The two recognised subspecies are:
Two formerly recognised species, ''Bettongia cuniculus'' (Tasmanian bettong) and ''Bettongia gaimardi'' (eastern bettong), were placed into a single species with two subspecies by Wakefield in 1967:<ref name=wakefield>Wakefield, N. (1967). Some taxonomic revision in the Australian marsupial genus ''Bettongia'', with description of a new species. The Victorian Naturalist. 84:8-22.</ref><ref name=augov>Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (2011). ''Bettongia gaimardi gaimardi'' in Species Profile and Threats Database, Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Canberra. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat. Accessed Thu, 29 Dec 2011 06:51:31 +1100. (http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=66656)</ref>
* ''B. g. gaimardi'', mainland subspecies (extinct)
* ''B. g. gaimardi'', mainland subspecies (now extinct)
* ''B. g. cuniculus'', Tasmanian subspecies
* ''B. g. cuniculus'', Tasmanian subspecies


Following the introduction of the [[red fox]] and [[European rabbit]] to Australia, the mainland subspecies became [[extinct]] around the 1920s.<ref name=iucn/><ref name=augov/> The Tasmanian subspecies still exists.<ref name=iucn/> In 2012, a small population was reintroduced to the mainland in [[Canberra]] where they appear to be doing well.<ref>ABC News Rare marsupials found fat and happy in new home http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-01-20/marsupials-found-fat-and-happy-in-their-new-home/4472690</ref>
The introduction of the [[red fox]] and [[European rabbit]] to Australia led to the [[extinction]] of the mainland subspecies during the 1920s.<ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021" /><ref name=augov/> The Tasmanian subspecies still exists.<ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021" />

In 2012, a small population was [[reintroduction of a species|reintroduced]] to the mainland in [[Canberra]].<ref>ABC News Rare marsupials found fat and happy in new home http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-01-20/marsupials-found-fat-and-happy-in-their-new-home/4472690</ref> The reintroduction to [[Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary]] was successful, and led to further reintroductions using an on-site breeding program out of the nearby [[Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve]] and wild eastern bettongs translocated from Tasmania.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mfgowoodlandexperiment.org.au/bettong.html|title=Eastern Bettong Reintroduction|website=www.mfgowoodlandexperiment.org.au|access-date=2020-04-16}}</ref>


==Diet and behaviour==
==Diet and behaviour==
This animal's habitat is dry, open [[eucalypt]] forests and grassy woodlands at altitudes between sea level and {{Convert|1000|m}}.
⚫
The eastern bettong is a [[nocturnal animal]]. During the day it sleeps in a nest it constructs from grasses and leaves. A major component of its diet is underground [[fungi]] related to [[truffles]], but it digs up [[root]]s and [[tuber]]s, as well. Insects and grubs are also eaten when encountered. It is unique in that it will travel up to 1.5&nbsp;km from its nest to a feeding area, a considerable distance for a creature that rarely exceeds 2&nbsp;kg in mass.<ref name="DPIW2">Department of Primary Industries and Water (August 2006). ''[http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/WebPages/BHAN-537V4U?open] The Tasmanian bettong]''. Department of Primary Industries and Water.</ref>


⚫
A major component of their diet is [[truffle]]s and other underground fungi, as well as roots and [[tuber]]s. Insects and grubs are also eaten. It is unique in that it will travel up to {{Convert|1.5|km|abbr=on}} from its nest to a feeding area, a considerable distance for such a small creature.<ref name="DPIW2">Department of Primary Industries and Water (August 2006). ''[http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/WebPages/BHAN-537V4U?open] The Tasmanian bettong]''. Department of Primary Industries and Water.</ref>
This bettong's habitat is open woodlands at altitudes between sea level and 1000 m. (The highest point on Tasmania is at 1617 m.) The bettong usually nests in dry open eucalypt forests and grassy woodlands, sleeping during the day in a domed, grass nest that is well camouflaged and built by collecting nesting material bundled and transported to it in its curved prehensile tail.<ref name="DPIW2"/>


A [[Nocturnality|nocturnal animal]], the bettong sleeps during the day in a domed nest. The nests are made with densely woven grass, leaves and shredded bark in a sheltered site such as a shallow depression in the ground or under a fallen log or clump of vegetation. The animal uses its curved [[prehensile tail]] to transport the nesting materials to the nest site.<ref name=DPIW2/> The animal only uses the nest for one or two nights, before it moves on in search of food.
⚫
Like other bettongs, the eastern bettong is a continuous breeder with a gestation period of only three weeks. Bettongs produce young all year.<ref name=UTAS>University of Tasmania, School of Zoology. ''[http://www.zoo.utas.edu.au/tfprofiles/tasanimals/bettong2.htm] Profile – Tasmanian Bettong]''. University of Tasmania.</ref>

⚫
Like other bettongs, the eastern bettong is a [[Opportunistic breeders|continuous breeder]], producing young throughout the year.<ref name="UTAS">University of Tasmania, School of Zoology. ''[http://www.zoo.utas.edu.au/tfprofiles/tasanimals/bettong2.htm] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090915095326/http://www.zoo.utas.edu.au/tfprofiles/tasanimals/bettong2.htm|date=2009-09-15}} Profile – Tasmanian Bettong]''. University of Tasmania.</ref> The [[gestation period]] is 21 days, after which the infant (referred to as a "joey") remains in the pouch for an additional 105 days.


==Threats==
==Threats==
While the mainland population became extinct in the first decades of the 20th century,<ref name=iucn/><ref name=augov/> the Tasmanian population has been regarded as secure.<ref name=iucn/> One concern is that most of the bettongs are found on private land, with only two groups found within reserves. The introduction of [[red fox]]es to Tasmania is a major threat to this population.<ref name=DWIW3>Department of Primary Industries and Water - Foxes in Tasmania http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/ThemeNodes/LBUN-5K438G</ref><ref>Foxes in Tasmania-Invasive Animals CRC Report http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/publications/lbun-6r26gg?</ref> The [[International Union for the Conservation of Nature]] has raised the threat status for eastern bettongs from least concern to near threatened based on the threat from foxes.<ref name=iucn/>
While the mainland population became extinct in the 1920s,<ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021" /><ref name=augov/> the Tasmanian population has remained secure.<ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021" /> One concern is that most of the bettongs are found on private land, with only two groups found within reserves. [[Red fox]]es are a major threat.<ref name=DWIW3>Department of Primary Industries and Water - Foxes in Tasmania http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/ThemeNodes/LBUN-5K438G</ref><ref>Foxes in Tasmania-Invasive Animals CRC Report http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/publications/lbun-6r26gg?</ref> The [[International Union for Conservation of Nature]] has raised the threat status for eastern bettongs from least concern to [[near threatened]].<ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021" />


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Commons category-inline|Bettongia gaimardi|''Bettongia gaimardi''}}
*{{Wikispecies-inline|Bettongia gaimardi|''Bettongia gaimardi''}}


{{Diprotodontia|M.1}}
{{Diprotodontia|M.1}}


{{Portal bar|Mammals|Animals|Biology|Australia}}
⚫
[[Category:Potoroids]]
{{Taxonbar|from=Q209652}}
{{Authority control}}

⚫
[[Category:Bettongia]]
[[Category:Mammals of Tasmania]]
[[Category:Mammals of Tasmania]]
[[Category:Mammals of New South Wales]]
[[Category:Mammals of New South Wales]]
[[Category:Mammals of Victoria (Australia)]]
[[Category:Mammals of Victoria (state)]]
[[Category:Mammals described in 1822]]
[[Category:Taxa named by Anselme Gaëtan Desmarest]]

Latest revision as of 07:26, 25 May 2024

Eastern bettong[1]
CITES Appendix I (CITES)[3]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Infraclass: Marsupialia
Order: Diprotodontia
Family: Potoroidae
Genus: Bettongia
Species:
B. gaimardi
Binomial name
Bettongia gaimardi
(Desmarest, 1822)
Subspecies

Bettongia gaimardi cuniculus
†Bettongia gaimardi gaimardi

Present distribution of Bettongia gaimardi

The eastern bettong (Bettongia gaimardi), also known as the southern or Tasmanian bettong, is a small, hopping, rat-like mammal native to grassy forests of southeastern Australia and Tasmania. A member of the rat-kangaroo family (Potoroidae), it is active at night and feeds on fungi and plant roots. Like most marsupials, it carries its young in a pouch. The eastern bettong is under pressure by introduced predators and habitat loss. The subspecies on mainland Australia (B. g. gaimardi) is extinct, but populations of the Tasmanian subspecies (B. g. cuniculus) have been reintroduced there.[1][4]

The animal is called balbo by the Ngunnawal, an Aboriginal people who used to keep them as pets.[dubious – discuss]

Subspecies

[edit]

Two formerly recognised species, Bettongia cuniculus (Tasmanian bettong) and Bettongia gaimardi (eastern bettong), were placed into a single species with two subspecies by Wakefield in 1967:[5][6]

  • B. g. gaimardi, mainland subspecies (now extinct)
  • B. g. cuniculus, Tasmanian subspecies

The introduction of the red fox and European rabbit to Australia led to the extinction of the mainland subspecies during the 1920s.[2][6] The Tasmanian subspecies still exists.[2]

In 2012, a small population was reintroduced to the mainland in Canberra.[7] The reintroduction to Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary was successful, and led to further reintroductions using an on-site breeding program out of the nearby Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and wild eastern bettongs translocated from Tasmania.[8]

Diet and behaviour

[edit]

This animal's habitat is dry, open eucalypt forests and grassy woodlands at altitudes between sea level and 1,000 metres (3,300 ft).

A major component of their diet is truffles and other underground fungi, as well as roots and tubers. Insects and grubs are also eaten. It is unique in that it will travel up to 1.5 km (0.93 mi) from its nest to a feeding area, a considerable distance for such a small creature.[9]

A nocturnal animal, the bettong sleeps during the day in a domed nest. The nests are made with densely woven grass, leaves and shredded bark in a sheltered site such as a shallow depression in the ground or under a fallen log or clump of vegetation. The animal uses its curved prehensile tail to transport the nesting materials to the nest site.[9] The animal only uses the nest for one or two nights, before it moves on in search of food.

Like other bettongs, the eastern bettong is a continuous breeder, producing young throughout the year.[10] The gestation period is 21 days, after which the infant (referred to as a "joey") remains in the pouch for an additional 105 days.

Threats

[edit]

While the mainland population became extinct in the 1920s,[2][6] the Tasmanian population has remained secure.[2] One concern is that most of the bettongs are found on private land, with only two groups found within reserves. Red foxes are a major threat.[11][12] The International Union for Conservation of Nature has raised the threat status for eastern bettongs from least concern to near threatened.[2]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Groves, C. P. (2005). Wilson, D. E.; Reeder, D. M. (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 57. ISBN 0-801-88221-4. OCLC 62265494.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Burbidge, A.A.; Woinarski, J.; Johnson, C.N. (2016). "Bettongia gaimardi". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T2783A21960911. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T2783A21960911.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  3. ^ "Appendices | CITES". cites.org. Retrieved 2022-01-14.
  4. ^ Rose, R. (1997). Metabolic rate and thermal conductance in a mycophagous marsupial, Bettongia gaimardi. Archived 2008-07-23 at the Wayback Machine The World Wide Web Journal of Biology 2: 2-7.
  5. ^ Wakefield, N. (1967). Some taxonomic revision in the Australian marsupial genus Bettongia, with description of a new species. The Victorian Naturalist. 84:8-22.
  6. ^ a b c Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (2011). Bettongia gaimardi gaimardi in Species Profile and Threats Database, Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Canberra. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat. Accessed Thu, 29 Dec 2011 06:51:31 +1100. (http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=66656)
  7. ^ ABC News Rare marsupials found fat and happy in new home http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-01-20/marsupials-found-fat-and-happy-in-their-new-home/4472690
  8. ^ "Eastern Bettong Reintroduction". www.mfgowoodlandexperiment.org.au. Retrieved 2020-04-16.
  9. ^ a b Department of Primary Industries and Water (August 2006). [1] The Tasmanian bettong]. Department of Primary Industries and Water.
  10. ^ University of Tasmania, School of Zoology. [2] Archived 2009-09-15 at the Wayback Machine Profile – Tasmanian Bettong]. University of Tasmania.
  11. ^ Department of Primary Industries and Water - Foxes in Tasmania http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/ThemeNodes/LBUN-5K438G
  12. ^ Foxes in Tasmania-Invasive Animals CRC Report http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/publications/lbun-6r26gg?
[edit]
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