Eastern bettong
(Bettongia gaimardi)
The eastern bettong is a small, nocturnal marsupial that once roamed widely across southeastern Australia. Today, it survives only in Tasmania and in reintroduced populations on the mainland, including at Odonata’s Mt Rothwell sanctuary. Known as a “soil architect,” the eastern bettong plays a crucial role in supporting healthy, functioning ecosystems through its digging and foraging behaviour.
Physical description
This species weighs between 1.7 and 2.2 kilograms and are covered in a greyish-brown coat with paler undersides. They have long, prehensile tails used for carrying nesting materials and maintaining balance, and strong hind limbs for hopping. Their short forelimbs and distinctive movement set them apart from similar species. Bettongs create dome-shaped nests from bark and grasses, camouflaging themselves during the day.
Habitat and distribution
Historically, the species inhabited regions across New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania. It is now found only in eastern Tasmania and at reintroduction sites on the mainland, including Odonata’s Mt Rothwell Sanctuary and Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary in the ACT. Eastern Bettongs favour dry eucalypt forests and grassy woodlands with dense understory for shelter and foraging.
Habitat fragmentation, land clearing, and introduced predators led to their extinction on the mainland by the 1920s. In Tasmania, most of their habitat lies on unprotected private land, putting the species at continued risk.
Behaviour and diet
Eastern bettongs are solitary and nocturnal. They can travel up to 1.5 kilometres from their nests each night in search of food, which includes roots, tubers, seeds, and underground fungi such as truffles. Their digging not only helps them access food but also disperses fungal spores and seeds, improving soil and vegetation health.
Breeding
Breeding occurs year-round. After a 21-day gestation, females give birth to a single young, typically producing three offspring per year. Joeys remain in the pouch for around 3.5 months and are weaned at five to six months. Eastern bettongs reach sexual maturity at 12 months and can live up to six years in the wild. Monogamous pairs often form during breeding season.
Conservation status
LC
NT
VU
EN
CR
EW
EX
Least Concern
Near Threatened
Vulnerable
Endangered
Critically Endangered
Extinct in the Wild (1988 FFG Act)
Extinct
Threats
Predation by introduced species, especially foxes and feral cats.
Habitat loss and fragmentation.
Competition with invasive herbivores such as hares.
Limited protection of habitat in Tasmania.
Conservation efforts by Odonata
Eastern bettongs were first reintroduced to the mainland in 2012, with 35 individuals from Tasmania released into protected areas in the ACT. During the 2020 bushfires, 26 individuals were relocated from Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve to Odonata’s Mt Rothwell Sanctuary. Although the initial transition was difficult, the population has stabilised and is now estimated at around 30 individuals and growing.
Odonata is working to improve the genetic health of this population through testing and potential mixing with other populations. The goal is to build a healthy, resilient population and reintroduce eastern bettongs across Odonata’s sanctuary network.
Future plans include:
Invest in habitat preparation at Orana and Tiverton, including reducing hare numbers
Conduct genetic testing and monitoring at Mt Rothwell
Source additional individuals from Mulligans Flat and wild populations in Tasmania