The Rufous Bettong also known as the Rufous Rat-Kangaroo is a small marsupial found throughout Australia. They are roughly the same size as a fully-grown rabbit however are the largest of their genus the Potoroids. Bettongs were once thought to be solitary however in recent years, they have seen them form loose social groups with one or two sharing a nest at night.
Bettongs are able to reproduce from 11 months old and can do so throughout the year. Their gestation period is only 28 days giving birth to a very small joey about the size of a baked bean. The joey will then climb up into its mother’s pouch who will be fertile almost immediately after birth.
IUCN Red List status: Least Concern
Listed as Least Concern due to their wide distribution, presumed large populations, lack of major threats at present, and because it is unlikely to be declining at nearly the rate required to qualify for listing in a threatened category.
