Cultural Importance

The term bilby is a loan word from the Yuwaalaraay Aboriginal language of northern New South Wales, meaning “long-nosed rat”. It is known as dalgite in Western Australia and pinkie in South Australia.

The Wiradjuri of New South Wales also call it bilby. The species is culturally important to many Aboriginal people, and was formerly a valuable food resource.

Aboriginal people in WA and the NT are involved in a number of on-ground projects, from monitoring bilby populations using traditional tracking methods to fire management work to improve habitat. Bilbies live up to 7 years in the wild and 11 years in captivity. They are considered endangered.