Macrotis lagotis - The Greater Bilby

• • • These small omnivores are found throughout many of Australia's deserts, dunes, and grasslands.

Primary Source Article

• • • Narayan EJ, Evans N, Hero J. Oct. 2014. “Monitoring physiological stress in semi-free ranging populations of an endangered Australian marsupial, the Greater Bilby (Macrotis lagotis).” European Journal of Wildlife Research. 60(5): 727-735

Large, almost hairless, rabbit-like ears

Long pointed snouts

Bluish grey fur with a mix of fawn (yellowish-tan)

• • • Belly is covered in white fur

    • Tail is roughly 50% black with the other 50% being white (tip of the tail)

Females have a reverse pouch for offspring (opening in the rear unlike a kangaroo)

Strong forelimbs

• • • 5 digits – 3 with claws

    • For digging

Hindlimbs are like that of a kangaroo

• • • Unlike the kangaroo, they gallop instead of hop

Long, sticky tongues

Historically found of 70% of Australia

• • • South Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory, and New South Wales

Currently limited to 20-30% of their original territory

• • • Great Sandy, Tanami, and Gibson Deserts in the Northwest of Australia

Endangerment: Vulnerable

• • • Due to the introduction of feral cats, red foxes, and rabbits, their populations have greatly reduced

Authors

• • • Edward J. Narayan, Nicole Evans, Jean-Marc Hero

Scientists wanted to find a non-invasive way to monitor adrenal activity and identify potential factors to be considered when comparing physiological stress in semi-free ranging populations of species.

• • • 6 Sites

      • • 4 Captive Sites

        • 2 Semi-free Ranging Populations

    • Samples taken over 14 days

Measuring - Fecal Cortisol Metabolites (FCM)

• • • Tool to quantify stress levels of species via samples of feces

    • Too high or too low of levels result from stress and other undesired effects

Cortisol Hormone

• • • Steroid hormone that helps the body regulate the body's response to stress

      • • • Too Low - nausea, weakness, fatigue, low blood pressure

          • Too High - nausea, weakness, fatigue, high blood pressure, easy bruising, fogginess, etc.

          • If left untreated these effects can occur, and, in extreme cases, kill the organism

    • Produced in the adrenal glands