Hydrology in a patterned landscape is co-engineered by soil-disturbing animals and biological crusts

► Biocrusts and bilbies exerted opposing influences on infiltration rates. ► Biocrust effects were due mostly to species composition, and less so to total cover. ► Biocrust spatial patterning did not influence infiltration. ► Bilby reintroduction is unlikely to negatively impact overall hydrological function. ► Removal of biocrusts could easily disrupt hydrological function.