Northern Bettong

Bettongia tropica

Australia's Threatened Species Category

Endangered

Listed since: 16/12/2016

IUCN's Threatened Species Category

Endangered

Listed since: 31/12/2012

Population trend: Decreasing

Other names: None

Priority Species? No

The Australian government's Threatened Species Action Plan 2022-2032 selected over 100 priority species derive from consultation with threatened species experts and the wider community. While all species are important, focusing on a limited number of species can help target effort and resources so that outcomes can be achieved, measured and shared.

Description

The Northern Bettong is a small potoroid which is endemic to north-eastern Queensland. They have very short fore-limbs which are held close to the body with long nails used for digging. The species is solitary and nocturnal and sleep with well-concealed nest sites during the day. They are heavily dependent on truffles as a food source during the wet season, and underground tubers of cockatoo grass in the dry season.

Threats

The Northern Bettong's restricted geographical range and small, isolated populations make them extremely susceptible to extinction events, inbreeding or predation. Climate change is a real threat due to the availability of truffles being strongly associated with rainfall and are extremely vulnerable to drought. The habitat they live in requires fire to maintain food resources, and a lack of fire changes the vegetation structure which will not support the Northern Bettong's specialised diet.