Brushed Tailed Bettong (Woylie)
Hi! I’m a Brushed Tailed Bettong (Woylie)
Brush-tailed bettongs build a small nest from sticks and leaves, under a bush or at the base of a tree, for shelter and protection. They were once found throughout southern parts of Western Australia, South Australia and western New South Wales. Today, they have been confined to south Western Australia and small areas of South Australia where they have been reintroduced.
The National Zoo & Aquarium is home to 5 brush-tailed bettong: Wilma, Wilbur, Tong, Betty, and Neville.
Brushed Tailed Bettong (Woylie) Facts
Taxonomy
Bettongia penicillata ogilbyi
Population Movement
Decreasing
Current Animals
Neville, Betty, Tong, Wilbur, Wilma
Life Span (captive)
10+ years
Weight
1.3kg
Reproduction
Females are able to breed from 6 months of age, and can produce young every 3-4 months.
Conservation Status
Critically Endangered
Group Count
5
Life Span (wild)
4-6 years
Size
31-38cm body, 29-35cm tail
Gestation
20 days
Distribution
Large historical range across mainland Australia, but now confined to a small section of Western Australia.