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08-10-2020
Column: Nature Notes - BANDICOOTS
Column: Nature Notes - BANDICOOTS
Bandicoots are small. Their snouts are long and pointed and their tails are short. They have a coarse outer coat and soft undercoat, the colour of which varies according to the species. They are quadrupeds, with hind legs that are longer than their forelegs, so they move with a bounding, galloping gait and are unable to climb. They grunt happily when feeding and shriek when frightened. Their front paws are used for digging and holding their food. Females have a backward facing pouch to avoid dirt entering the pouch when digging.
All bandicoots are omnivorous and nocturnal; during the day they hide in nests and emerge to forage at night. They are solitary and territorial and will try to travel back to their home range if relocated.
Bandicoots forage and dig for insects, larvae, fungi, and roots. They play a critical role in promoting the growth and regeneration of bushland by aerating the topsoil, distributing fungi and promoting plant germination.
Bandicoots can be unpopular with tidy gardeners.

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