Bettongs

Bettongs are small rat-like creatures native to The Sal-Emen Desert. They are skittish but social creatures, and are very popular as pets in warmer climates. Unlike rats, which walk with all four feet, bettongs travel by hopping around on two feet.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Bettongs have two long back legs and two shorter front legs. The longer legs are used for movement, allowing a bettong to hop very quickly along the ground. They can also use them to jump vertically, though they have difficulties jumping incredibly high. They have a long, slightly furry tail that allows them to keep their balance while they move across the desert sands.

Genetics and Reproduction

A bettong has a gestation period of 21 days, after which the children stay inside the mother's pouch for around another 100 days. They are continuous breeders, and so they are able to breed at any time of the year.

Ecology and Habitats

Bettongs do best in warm, dry climates where their food supplies thrive well.

Dietary Needs and Habits

A bettong's diet consists of primarily truffles, roots, and various fungi. They will also eat insects and grub if they have access to them.

Additional Information

Domestication

While a wild bettong can be domesticated, this is a long and difficult process. Most domestic bettongs are raised in captivity, which creates a bond in the child and causes the child to trust the races it has been around.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Outside of a cute companion, bettongs have very little use to them. They have very little meat on them for cooking, and the meat that they do have is tough and lacking nutrients. Their hide is sometimes used in clothing, but it is very difficult to work with and tears incredibly easily.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

A bettong is a nocturnal creature, and because of this is able to see in the darkness. They also have a very strong sense of smell, allowing them to find truffles and other underground fungi.

Lifespan

In the wild, a bettong will only live between four and six years. They will live up to fifteen years in captivity.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

The fur of a bettong is usually a brown or black, but can also be grey or, on rare occasions, white.