Bandicoot

Bandicoot is the common name of a group of approximately 20 species, all of which are small to medium-sized marsupial omnivores. All are endemic to Australia, and although the various species of this animal are of different sizes, they are all of comparable sizes with the common rabbit.

The snout is quite long, and the back has a natural arch. The tail is long and thin, and the back feet are much larger than the front feet. Their coloring is a random combination of white, brown, and gray.

Bandicoot Habitat

The Bandicoot lives throughout most of Australia. They are highly adaptable and can reside in numerous types of habitats including rainforests, dry woodlands, and areas of heath. They are especially common in coastal regions.

The mammal is primarily active at night. During the day, they will nest in shallow holes they have dug in the ground which they will line with leaves. Generally, these are concealed under dense vegetation or even debris – a method of hiding the location from predators. It also serves to provide partial protection from the weather.

In populated areas, they boldly venture into backyards – just like the raccoons in North America.

Bandicoot Diet, Behavior, and Life Cycle

The Bandicoot primarily forages for their food at night, avoiding the heat of the day. Being omnivorous, their diet is highly varied even though they still prefer foods like spiders, insects, and earthworms. Lots of lean protein, yum. They also commonly consume plant roots, tubers, and fungus.

A typical Bandicoot lifespan averages 2-4 years in the wild. They are solitary creatures, usually gathering only to mate, and are capable of breeding several times per year – just like cats and dogs. In fact, the Bandicoot has the shortest gestation period of any known marsupial, at only 11 days.

Also, the young will typically remain in the mother’s pouch for around only 3 months.

Check out our articles on Slow Loris, Pudu, Tree Kangaroo, Quokka, Saola, Binturong