description Northern bettong Overview
The northern bettong is a small, nocturnal marsupial belonging to the potoroid family, which includes bettongs and potoroos. Endemic to a restricted region of far northeastern Queensland, Australia, it primarily inhabits wet eucalypt forests and woodlands. Classified as an endangered species, its population is threatened by habitat loss, altered fire regimes, and predation from introduced feral animals. The species plays an important ecological role by dispersing the spores of underground fungi, which helps maintain the health of its native forest ecosystem.
help Northern bettong FAQ
Where does the northern bettong live?
The northern bettong, Bettongia tropica, is restricted to northeastern Queensland, especially wet sclerophyll forests and woodlands along the edge of rainforest. Known areas include the Lamb Range, Mount Carbine Tableland, and the Paluma or Coane Range region. [Australian government recovery plan](https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/biodiversity/threatened/recovery-plans/recovery-plan-northern-bettong-bettongia-tropica-2000-2004)
What does a northern bettong eat?
Underground fungal fruiting bodies, commonly called truffles, are a major part of its diet, with studies identifying about 36 fungus species and an average contribution of roughly 45 percent. It also eats cockatoo grass, roots, tubers, and lilies. [Australian government recovery plan](https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/biodiversity/threatened/recovery-plans/recovery-plan-northern-bettong-bettongia-tropica-2000-2004)
When is the northern bettong active?
It is a solitary, nocturnal marsupial that shelters during the day in a nest made from grass, leaves, and bark. It emerges after dark to forage for fungi and other underground food. [Australian Wildlife Conservancy](https://www.australianwildlife.org/animals/northern-bettong)
Why is the northern bettong endangered?
Its range has contracted into a small number of isolated populations, while habitat fragmentation, changed fire regimes, rainforest invasion, feral cats, and other introduced predators add pressure. The species is listed as endangered under Australian conservation frameworks. [Queensland Government](https://parks.qld.gov.au/parks/danbulla/about/culture)
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