Posts Tagged ‘moon-australia’

A pair of Greater Bilbies forage under the full moon on this dramatic nocturnal wildlife vignette. One troy ounce of pure silver, with a proprietary black proof finish that simulates the Bilby’s nighttime desert habitat! If history is anything to go by, this 13th release in the AAN program will not last long. Make one or more yours today. We’re thrilled to bring you the latest wildlife masterwork in the wildly popular Australia at Night program. These gentle desert-dwelling marsupials are depicted foraging in the arid outback. The light of the full moon overhead illuminates the scene. The Greater Bilby is a nocturnal marsupial that loves to feast on insects, spiders, bulbs and fruit. Popularized in modern Australian lore as a native alternative to the Easter Bunny because of its oversize, rabbit-like ears, this beloved little Aussie hears very well and is a natural subject for the Australia at Night Series. Once found throughout Australia, the Greater Bilby is now threatened, inhabiting only 10% of its former range and restricted to two distinct pockets in the northwest and central regions of the outback desert, as a result of habitat destruction, disease and introduced species. Superbly struck and detailed, with an alluring black proof finish, this bilby family is limited to a mintage of just 1,000. Like every previous release in the Australia at Night wildlife program. The Greater Bilby Pure Silver Black Proof is destined to sell out. For previous issues in the Australia at Night program. The mint-supplied photos are great, but this beauty looks even better in hand! Multiple levels of black proof finish make the bilbies and full moon really stand out! , often referred to simply as the bilby, is a long-eared, rabbit-like mammal native to Australia. It lives in burrows and is active at night, feeding on insects, fruit, roots, and fungi. The bilby is a marsupial and carries its young in a pouch. The Greater Bilby is commonly now simply called the bilby (or bilbies for plural), after its smaller cousin, the lesser bilby. , was driven to extinction in the 1950s. Threats include habitat loss, disease, and introduced predators such as foxes. Formerly widespread, greater bilbies are now restricted to arid parts of northwestern and central Australia. It is now classified as a threatened species. Save the Bilby Fund CEO Kevin Bradley estimated in December 2021 that the species had been reduced to just 10% of its original range, which once covered 70% of the Australian continent. Haigh’s Chocolates in Adelaide made 950,000 chocolate bilbies between 1993 and Easter 2020, with proceeds donated to the Foundation for Rabbit-Free Australia, which does environmental work to protect the indigenous biodiversity of Australia. Greater bilbies have the characteristics of long bandicoot muzzle and very long ears. They are about 29-55 centimeters (11-22 in) in length. Compared to bandicoots, they have a longer tail, bigger ears, and softer, silky fur. The size of their ears allows them to have better hearing as well. At 1 to 2.4 kilograms (2.2 to 5.3 lb), the male is about the same size as a rabbit; although male animals in good condition have been known to grow up to 3.7 kilograms (8.2 lb) in captivity. The female is smaller, and weighs around 0.8 to 1.1 kilograms (1.8 to 2.4 lb). Bilbies have an excellent sense of smell and sharp hearing. Their fur is blue-gray with patches of tan and is very soft. The tail is black and white with a distinct crest. The bilby makes its home in a burrow that spirals down, making it hard for its predators to get in. Unlike bandicoots, they are excellent burrowers and can build extensive tunnel systems with their strong forelimbs and well-developed claws. An adult bilby typically makes several burrows within its home range, even up to a dozen. It moves between them, using them for shelter both from predators and the heat of the day, as they are nocturnal. The female bilby’s pouch faces backward, which prevents her pouch from getting filled with dirt while she is digging. The bilby prefers arid habitats because of the spinifex grass and acacia shrubs. This dramatic nocturnal wildlife vignette depicts a pair of Greater Bilby marsupials foraging in the cooling outback desert under a full moon. The scene features a proprietary black proof finish to simulate the nighttime. The legends AUSTRALIA AT NIGHT and GREATER BILBY denote the theme. His Majesty, King Charles III, in profile effigy facing left. This portrait was executed by the engraver Jody Clark. The legend CHARLES III, the date of issue and denomination also appear, while the legend 1 OZ 999 SILVER guarantees the weight and purity. The coin is encapsulated inside a luxurious clamshell-style presentation case, lined with black velvet and satin, and protected by a full color outer cardboard box. An individually-numbered certificate of authenticity is included. Image of the back side of the certificate is mint-supplied and for general reference only. Serial number on image is NOT indicative of the serial number you will receive! Proof with Proprietary Black Proof Finish. 999 Fine (Pure) Silver. Niue is an island nation in the South Pacific. Although it is completely self-governing and independent, it remains in free association with New Zealand, a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations, hence the portrait of the British monarch on most of its coinage. The country is located about 1,450 miles northeast of New Zealand. It is closest to Samoa, Tonga, and the Cook Islands. It is one of the largest coral islands in the world, with a total area of 260 square kilometers. Niueans are predominantly Polynesian; most are bilingual, speaking both Niuean and English.