The ‘Greater Bilby’ or ‘Bilby’, the largest species in the bandicoot family, is a nocturnal marsupial found primarily in arid and semi-arid regions of central and western Australia. They were once found across 70% of Australia and are thought to have been here for millions of years. There were originally two species, but the ‘Lesser Bilby’ became extinct around the early 1950s. One of the Bilby’s most remarkable features is its long, slender ears, which can measure up to 12cms in length and serve as a thermal regulator in the harsh Australian desert environment. Bilbies are excellent burrowers, digging extensive spiral tunnel systems up to 3ms deep, providing shelter from predators and extreme temperatures. These burrows are often used by other native animals, as the Bilby digs itself a new burrow every few weeks. Being marsupials, their young develop in a pouch on the outside of the females’ body however, like echidnas and wombats, Bilbies have a backwards facing pouch to prevent them from filling with dirt! They playing a crucial role in Australia’s ecosystem as their foraging for insects, seeds and bulbs contributes to soil aeration and plant regeneration - amazing! The Bilby is sadly being pushed close to extinction thanks to habitat loss and competition with introduced species (rabbits) and extreme predation by feral cats and foxes. Various conservation programs are in place to protect and restore Bilby populations, including captive breeding, habitat restoration and predator control measures. Conservation Status: ‘Vulnerable’ Nationally and ‘Endangered’ in QLD.
The ‘Greater Bilby’ or ‘Bilby’, the largest species in the bandicoot family, is a nocturnal marsupial found primarily in arid and semi-arid regions of central and western Australia. They were once found across 70% of Australia and are thought to have been here for millions of years. There were originally two species, but the ‘Lesser Bilby’ became extinct around the early 1950s. One of the Bilby’s most remarkable features is its long, slender ears, which can measure up to 12cms in length and serve as a thermal regulator in the harsh Australian desert environment. Bilbies are excellent burrowers, digging extensive spiral tunnel systems up to 3ms deep, providing shelter from predators and extreme temperatures. These burrows are often used by other native animals, as the Bilby digs itself a new burrow every few weeks. Being marsupials, their young develop in a pouch on the outside of the females’ body however, like echidnas and wombats, Bilbies have a backwards facing pouch to prevent them from filling with dirt! They playing a crucial role in Australia’s ecosystem as their foraging for insects, seeds and bulbs contributes to soil aeration and plant regeneration - amazing! The Bilby is sadly being pushed close to extinction thanks to habitat loss and competition with introduced species (rabbits) and extreme predation by feral cats and foxes. Various conservation programs are in place to protect and restore Bilby populations, including captive breeding, habitat restoration and predator control measures. Conservation Status: ‘Vulnerable’ Nationally and ‘Endangered’ in QLD.
Specifications
‘Bliss’ was created with watercolour paint and detailed with a traditional nib and highly concentrated ink on 425gsm 100% cotton watercolour paper.
Artwork Size: 570mm × 380mm
This original artwork is embossed with the ‘Shannon Dwyer Original’ authenticity seal and hand-penned signature validating it as an original artwork of Shannon Dwyer.
Artwork is accompanied by a signed Certificate of Authenticity.
‘Bliss’ was created with watercolour paint and detailed with a traditional nib and highly concentrated ink on 425gsm 100% cotton watercolour paper.
Artwork Size: 570mm × 380mm
This original artwork is embossed with the ‘Shannon Dwyer Original’ authenticity seal and hand-penned signature validating it as an original artwork of Shannon Dwyer.
Artwork is accompanied by a signed Certificate of Authenticity.
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