Celebrating National Bilby Day

Bilby populations continue to be under threat from predators and fire regimes. The marsupial is listed as ‘vulnerable’ across Australia, but an area in the West Kimberley region of Western Australia is one of the areas with a healthy population.

But more research is required to understand these wonderful animals.

As an oil and gas operator in the area, Buru Energy believe it’s critical for them to maintain the bilbies’ environment and ensure their conservation. That’s why they’ve teamed up with Murdoch University to study the habitats and ecosystems of the bilby.

“We undertook a lot of research to fully understand the habitat of bilby and how we can lead the conservation and growth of such an important population,” said Chief Operating Officer, Dr Kris Waddington.

Their latest study, ‘An outback oasis: the ecological importance of bilby burrows’, found that the bilby is actually one of the most generous furry friends in the outback.

Over the course of the research, cameras observed more than 45 different animals seeking refuge, or foraging around, bilby burrows, making conservation efforts even more imperative.

“We need to do everything we can to protect the bilby and their environment to ensure they are well-protected,” says Dr Waddington.

All the information has been made public, which means it’s not only useful to Buru, it’s information that all land users in the region can apply to minimise the impact of their activities on local bilbies.