Long-nosed bandicoot facts for kids
The long-nosed bandicoot (scientific name: Perameles nasuta) is a small, furry animal that belongs to the bandicoot family. You can find them living along the east coast of Australia, from Victoria all the way up to Queensland. They also live on the island of Tasmania. While there are four types of long-nosed bandicoots, Perameles nasuta prefers to live in forests and rainforests. These amazing creatures have the fastest gestation (pregnancy) period and the quickest reproduction rate of all mammals!
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What They Look Like
The long-nosed bandicoot is a small animal. It grows to be about 20 to 42.5 centimeters (8 to 17 inches) long. It has a thin, rat-like tail that is about 7.5 to 17 centimeters (3 to 7 inches) long. These bandicoots usually weigh between 0.5 and 1.9 kilograms (1 to 4 pounds).
Their fur is coarse and can be grey to brown, sometimes with a hint of yellow or orange. Their belly is a creamy white color. Female bandicoots are marsupials, which means they have a special pouch. This pouch opens towards their rear and is used to carry their babies. They have five clawed toes on their front paws.
Life Cycle and Reproduction
The long-nosed bandicoot usually lives by itself. They often chase away other bandicoots from their space. Their breeding season can change depending on where they live.
After a very short gestation period of only 12 days, the female gives birth to two or three tiny babies. These newborns are blind and have no hair. They are only about 13 millimeters (half an inch) long! The babies then crawl into their mother's pouch. Inside the pouch, they drink milk from her eight nipples. They stay in the pouch for about 54 days. Once the babies leave the pouch, the female is ready to have more young. Long-nosed bandicoots usually live for about three to five years.
What They Eat
The long-nosed bandicoot is a nocturnal animal. This means it comes out at night to find its food. They eat insects, beetles, snails, worms, mice, lizards, and even tree roots. They have a great sense of smell that helps them find their meals.
They use their strong front claws to dig holes. These holes are just big enough for their long noses to fit in and find food. Sometimes, they dig up gardens in towns, which can make them unpopular with people! While they are looking for food, they often make a shrill, high-pitched squeak.
Where They Live and Why They're in Danger
Long-nosed bandicoots live in small, hidden nests. They make these nests among shrubs, inside hollow logs, or in old rabbit burrows.
Even though bandicoots are protected by law, the places they like to live are often cleared away. This happens when land is used for farming or building new houses. They are also hunted by animals like dogs, cats, and foxes. Rabbits have also caused problems by eating many of the plants that bandicoots need. Because of these threats, long-nosed bandicoots around Sydney are listed as an endangered species.
Images for kids
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Taken in Crater Lakes National Park, Queensland, Australia
