Bandicoot

Bandicoots by Ochre Lawson at Waratah Mills station

Bandicoots are a group of about 20 species of small to medium-sized, terrestrial marsupials native to the Australian continent and the island of New Guinea. They belong to the order Peramelemorphia, which includes both bandicoots and bilbies. These animals are characterized by their pointed snouts, hunched backs, and long, thin tails. Bandicoots are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of insects, worms, plant material, and seeds.

Description

Bandicoots vary in size from the small, mouse-sized Desert Bandicoot (Perameles eremiana), which is now believed to be extinct, to the much larger Rabbit-bandicoots or bilbies of the genus Macrotis. Their body length can range from 28 to 81 cm, and they can weigh between 0.2 and 1.6 kg. They have a distinctive body shape due to their long, pointed snout and hunched appearance, which is a result of their hind legs being longer than their front legs. This unique morphology aids in their primary mode of foraging, which involves digging for food in the soil.

Habitat and Distribution

Bandicoots are found in a wide range of habitats, including rainforests, wet and dry woodlands, swamps, and even arid desert areas. Their distribution spans across the northern and eastern parts of Australia and throughout New Guinea. The adaptability of bandicoots to different environments is a key factor in their survival, allowing them to inhabit areas altered by human activities, although several species are threatened by habitat destruction and predation by introduced species such as cats and foxes.

Behavior and Ecology

Bandicoots are primarily nocturnal and solitary animals. They construct nests called 'nurseries' which they build with leaves and other plant materials. These nests serve as a resting place during the day and a safe haven for their young. Bandicoots have a high reproductive rate, with some species capable of producing multiple litters each year. This rapid reproduction cycle is crucial for the survival of species, especially those facing threats from habitat loss and predation.

Conservation Status

The conservation status of bandicoot species varies widely. While some species, like the Northern Brown Bandicoot (Isoodon macrourus), are classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, others, such as the Pig-footed Bandicoot (Chaeropus ecaudatus) and the Desert Bandicoot, are considered extinct. Habitat destruction, predation by introduced species, and road accidents are among the primary threats to bandicoot populations. Conservation efforts, including breeding programs and predator control, are in place to protect these unique marsupials.

In Culture

Bandicoots hold a place in Indigenous Australian culture, featuring in traditional stories and as a source of food. In recent years, the bandicoot has also become known globally as the mascot of a popular video game series, highlighting the cultural impact of these animals beyond their native habitats.