Appearance and Size:
* Tiger Quoll: These are sleek, muscular animals with distinctive black and white stripes along their bodies. They are cat-like in appearance, with a long tail and a pointed head. They are considerably larger than bilbies, reaching up to 70cm in length and weighing up to 2.5kg.
* Bilby: These are rabbit-like marsupials, with long, soft ears and a distinctive pointed snout. Their fur is usually a pale sandy-brown color. They are much smaller than quolls, averaging around 30cm in length and weighing about 1kg.
Diet and Habitat:
* Tiger Quoll: They are carnivorous predators and will eat a variety of small animals, including rodents, insects, birds, and even reptiles. They are adaptable to various habitats but prefer forests, woodlands, and grasslands.
* Bilby: These are primarily herbivorous, feeding on seeds, roots, and insects. They inhabit arid and semi-arid regions, especially those with sandy soils where they can burrow.
Reproduction:
* Tiger Quoll: Quoll females have a pouch where they raise their young. They give birth to several young, which stay in the pouch for several months.
* Bilby: Like quolls, bilbies also have a pouch and give birth to young that stay in the pouch for a few months. They are known for their complex burrow systems, which they use for nesting and protection.
Conservation Status:
* Tiger Quoll: The tiger quoll is listed as endangered due to habitat loss, introduced predators, and poisoning.
* Bilby: The bilby is listed as vulnerable due to habitat loss, introduced predators, and competition from feral animals.
Key Differences in Summary:
* Size and Appearance: Tiger quolls are larger and more cat-like, while bilbies are smaller and rabbit-like.
* Diet: Tiger quolls are carnivorous predators, while bilbies are primarily herbivorous.
* Habitat: Tiger quolls prefer forests and woodlands, while bilbies inhabit arid and semi-arid regions.
* Conservation Status: Both are threatened species, but tiger quolls are considered more endangered.
In essence, these two marsupials represent very different evolutionary paths, each adapted to their specific ecological niches within the Australian landscape.