Peramelidae - Australian bandicoots

There are 19 species in this family of marsupials. They are found in Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea. They are 11-32 inches in length.

Bandicoots have small, compact bodies; pointed heads; long, hairy tails; and strong front claws. They have short front paws and longer hind paws that allow them to hop. The second and third toes on their front paws are fused together. Their pouch opens from the back.

Bandicoots are mostly nocturnal and eat insects, plants, small rodents, and lizards.

World Status Key
Least Concern Near Threatened Vulnerable Endangered Critically Endangered Extinct in Wild Extinct
Status and range is taken from ICUN Redlist. If no status is listed, there is not enough data to establish status.

US Status Key
Threatened in US Threatened in NH Endangered in US Endangered in NH Breeds N.H. Introduced
Status taken from US Fish and Wildlife and NH Fish and Game

Other Species Around the World
Africa Antarctica Asia Australia/Oceania Europe North America South America NH
Clara's Echymipera - Echymipera clara David's Echymipera - Echymipera davidi Menzies' Echymipera - Echymipera echinista Common Echymipera - Echymipera kalubu Long-nosed Echymipera - Echymipera rufescens Golden Bandicoot - Isoodon auratus Northern Brown Bandicoot - Isoodon macrourus Southern Brown Bandicoot - Isoodon obesulus Arfak Pygmy Bandicoot - Microperoryctes aplini Striped Bandicoot - Microperoryctes longicauda		Mouse Bandicoot - Microperoryctes murina Papuan Bandicoot - Microperoryctes papuensis Western Barred Bandicoot - Perameles bougainville Desert Bandicoot - Perameles eremiana [ex] Eastern Barred Bandicoot - Perameles gunnii Long-nosed Bandicoot - Perameles nasuta Giant Bandicoot - Peroryctes broadbenti Raffray's Bandicoot - Peroryctes raffrayana Seram Bandicoot - Rhynchomeles prattorum

Additional Information

Key: Profile Photos Video Audio

Bandicoots -
Bandicoots are omnivores.
Source: Enchanted Learning Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Elementary School Teacher Section: No

Eastern Barred Bandicoot - Perameles gunnii
The eastern barred bandicoot is found in Tasmania.
Source: Arkive Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School Teacher Section: Yes

Eastern Barred Bandicoot - Perameles gunnii
The eastern barred bandicoot has three or four pale stripes on its hindquarters.
Source: Zoo Aquarium Association Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School Teacher Section: Yes

Eastern Barred Bandicoot - Perameles gunnii
The eastern barred bandicoot rests in a grass-lined nest during the day. At night it feeds on beetles, crickets, worms and caterpillars. It also eats plant roots.
Source: Victoria's Department of Sustainability and Environment. Intended Audience: Students Reading Level: Middle School

Golden Bandicoot - Isoodon auratus
The golden bandicoot is found in Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
Source: Arkive Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School Teacher Section: Yes

Long-nosed Bandicoot - Echymipera rufescens
The long-nosed bandicoot is found in on the east coast of Australia.
Source: Animal Diversity Web Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle/High School

Northern Brown Bandicoot - Isoodon macrourus
The northern brown bandicoot is found in Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea.
Source: Animal Diversity Web Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School Teacher Section: Yes

Raffray's Bandicoot - Peroryctes raffrayana
Raffray's bandicoot is found in rainforests in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
Source: Animal Diversity Web Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle/High School

Southern Brown Bandicoot - Isoodon obesulus
The southern brown bandicoot is found in Australia.
Source: Animal Diversity Web Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School Teacher Section: Yes

Western Barred Bandicoot - Perameles bougainville
The western barred bandicoot is found in Bernier and Dorre Islands in Shark Bay, Western Australia.
Source: Arkive Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School Teacher Section: Yes