We've had bandicoots and now it's time for another marsupial starting with 'b' (and there will be others to come).

Bettongs are nocturnal marsupials of the kangaroo family. There are 5 species of Bettong living in different parts of Australia (see link). Some of the species are particularly endangered. They are about the size of a rabbit but some are a bit more chunky.

During the day they nest in well-camouflaged depressions in the ground lined with leaf litter. But the Burrowing Bettong instead creates complex underground warrens to shelter in. Each species has a prehensile tail which it uses to carry nesting material.

At night Bettongs forage for fungi, roots, tubers, leaves, invertebrates, grubs, fruits and seeds. Most species feed preferably (because they're classy) on truffles if they can find them.

Bettongs, like bandicoots, are important ecological engineers, their digging and foraging aiding in the retention of nutrients and water in soils, the decomposition of leaf litter and the dispersal of fungal spores and plant seeds.

To find out a little more see: https://www.bushheritage.org.au/species/bettongs?srsltid=AYCX9vIm_f0HD9ni47JvEf-5lzPUMysbbphbcxPVfX5ukFlf3r65cNIE

To see them in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpBgyNp3V5c