BANDICOOTS

Bandicoots are small to medium-sized marsupials that are native to Australia. They belong to the order Peramelemorphia and the family Peramelidae.

They are characterized by their  long, pointed snout, small rounded ears, and a compact body.

Bandicoots dig cone-shaped holes in the ground while foraging for worms, insects, and roots. Some people may complain about the holes these fascinating creatures create in gardens, but it’s worth considering that they also help control pests. They have a home range of 1-6 hectares but tend to stick to a relatively small territory, often staying within half a hectare of their nests.

Bandicoots construct their nests above ground, consisting of a shallow hole lined with grass and leaves, which they create by scraping with their forelegs. The top of the nest is partially covered with soil and concealed with debris. When occupied, the nest entrance is well-hidden. Bandicoots may also utilize hollow logs on the ground. It’s intriguing to note how many of our native animals seek refuge and nest in hollow logs. Given the extended time it takes for a tree to develop hollows, it’s crucial to preserve old trees to support species dependent on these hollows.

Gestation in bandicoots lasts for 12 1/2 days, which is the shortest gestation period among marsupials. They give birth to 2-7 young weighing 2.5 grams and measuring 13 mm in length. These tiny bandicoots make their way to the pouch while still attached to the umbilical cord until they securely latch onto one of the mother’s 8 teats.

Typically, only 3-4 young are raised.

The young bandicoots remain in the pouch for 60 days and become independent at around 4 months of age. The backward-opening pouch is practical, preventing the young from getting covered in dirt when the mother digs for food and shortening the distance for the young during their initial journey to the pouch after birth.

Although some may associate bandicoots with ticks, it’s worth noting that humans are more likely to pick up ticks in long grass or dense scrub, which are the same habitats favored by bandicoots.

There are several species of bandicoots found in Australia, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some notable examples:

    Eastern Barred Bandicoot (Perameles gunnii): This species is critically endangered and found only in a few isolated areas of Victoria, Australia. It has a distinctive barred pattern on its fur and is known for its digging abilities.

    Southern Brown Bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus): Also known as the Quenda, this bandicoot species is found in southwestern Australia. It has a brownish-grey fur and a pointed snout. The Southern Brown Bandicoot is listed as an endangered species in New South Wales and is known from only two areas.

    Northern Brown Bandicoot (Isoodon macrourus): This bandicoot species is found in northern Australia, from Western Australia to Queensland. It has a longer snout compared to the Southern Brown Bandicoot and is primarily nocturnal.

    Long-nosed Bandicoot (Perameles nasuta): Found in eastern and southern Australia, this bandicoot species has a long, tapering snout and a bushy tail. It is known for its powerful digging abilities and is primarily active during the night.

Bandicoots face various threats, including habitat loss due to land clearing and urbanization, predation by introduced predators such as foxes, dogs and cats, and competition with other introduced species. Many are also killed every night by cars on Australia’s roads.

Bandicoots play an important role in maintaining ecosystem balance and are a unique part of Australia’s native wildlife.

Should you come across an injured or dead Bandicoot, please contact your nearest wildlife organisation for  help. Please consider that a female Bandicoot  is highly likely to have multiple live young in the pouch in urgent need of help.