Eastern Bettong
Bettongia gaimardi
Meet the Eastern Bettong
Habitat & Range
Eastern bettongs are now naturally found in Tasmania, where they live in dry open forests, woodlands and grassy habitats.
They favour areas with suitable ground cover for shelter and healthy soils where they can dig for underground food. Eastern bettongs were once found on mainland Australia but disappeared from the mainland following European settlement.
What's on the Menu?
Underground fungi form an important part of an Eastern bettong's diet. They also eat roots, tubers, bulbs, seeds and some invertebrates.
Bettongs use their strong front feet and claws to dig small holes in the soil while searching for food.
Amazing Adaptations
Eastern bettongs have strong hind legs for hopping and powerful front feet for digging.
Their tail is more than just a balancing tool. Bettongs can curl their tail around grass and other nesting material, carrying bundles back to their daytime nest.
Their excellent sense of smell helps them locate underground fungi and other foods hidden beneath the soil.
Did You Know?
Eastern bettongs are sometimes described as ecosystem engineers. As they dig for food, they turn over the soil, creating small disturbances that can help water penetrate the ground, move nutrients and create opportunities for seeds to germinate.
Behaviour
Eastern bettongs are nocturnal. During the day they usually rest in well-hidden nests made from grasses and other plant material.
At night they emerge to forage, moving through their habitat and digging repeatedly for underground food.
They are generally solitary, although the home ranges of different individuals may overlap.
Conservation & Threats
Tasmania is an important refuge for the Eastern bettong. The species disappeared from mainland Australia following major changes to its environment after European settlement.
Maintaining healthy native habitat and connected landscapes is important for Tasmania's bettong populations. Habitat disturbance, road mortality and introduced predators can place pressure on small native mammals.
Eastern Bettongs at Trowunna
Eastern bettongs are part of Trowunna's work to conserve and showcase Tasmania's smaller native mammals.
Trowunna's Managed Environmental Enclosures provide carefully managed habitat for species including Eastern bettongs, potoroos and bandicoots, supporting conservation, rehabilitation and education.
These species may be small and often difficult to see in the wild, but their roles in healthy ecosystems can be enormous. By learning about animals such as the Eastern bettong, visitors can better understand why protecting Tasmania's entire ecosystem matters.
How You Can Help
- Protect native vegetation and ground cover where possible.
- Keep cats contained and dogs under control around native wildlife.
- Slow down when driving between dusk and dawn.
- Avoid disturbing fallen logs, leaf litter and natural ground habitat unnecessarily.
- Support conservation programs that protect Tasmania's native mammals and their habitats.
Wildlife Welfare Comes First
Please do not feed, touch or attempt to handle Trowunna's Eastern bettongs.
Bettongs are naturally nocturnal and need quiet areas where they can rest during the day. Please keep noise to a minimum, respect their space and always follow instructions from Trowunna's wildlife keepers.