[dubious – discuss] Two formerly recognised species, Bettongia cuniculus (Tasmanian bettong) and Bettongia gaimardi (eastern bettong), were placed into a single species with two subspecies by Wakefield in 1967:[5][6] The introduction of the red fox and European rabbit to Australia led to the extinction of the mainland subspecies during the 1920s.

[8] This animal's habitat is dry, open eucalypt forests and grassy woodlands at altitudes between sea level and 1,000 metres (3,300 ft).

It is unique in that it will travel up to 1.5 km (0.93 mi) from its nest to a feeding area, a considerable distance for such a small creature.

The nests are made with densely woven grass, leaves and shredded bark in a sheltered site such as a shallow depression in the ground or under a fallen log or clump of vegetation.

[11][12] The International Union for Conservation of Nature has raised the threat status for eastern bettongs from least concern to near threatened.