Commonly Observed Native Animals in the NT
Northern brown bandicoot (Isoodon macrourus)
Family: Peramelidae
Conservation Status
- Australia: Least Concern
- NT: Least Concern
Description
The Northern brown bandicoot is a rodent-like marsupial with a light brown, coarse coat of hair speckled with black. The underbelly is white. Compared to other bandicoots it has short round ears and a short snout. Average adult size is approximately 65cm total length. Males are usually larger than females.
Distribution
The Northern brown bandicoot’s range extends from the north west of the Kimberley’s (WA) to the eastern coast of NSW. The species is also found in southern New Guinea and Indonesia. It is not found far inland in Australia and in the Northern Territory it is found in the monsoonal tropics.
The species inhabits thick scrub and vegetation in the wet season and utilises open grasslands during the dry season. They create nests in low ground cover or in hollow logs and old rabbit burrows.
Ecology
The Northern brown bandicoot eats a wide and varied diet, consisting of insects, worms, berries and seeds of grasses. When conditions are bad, females have been known to cannibalise their young. The species is nocturnal, territorial and solitary except for a mother and her young.
The Northern brown bandicoot had the smallest pregnancy of any mammal – it lasts approximately 12 days! Two to four young are born in each litter and are independent after only two months.
Potential Threats
The Northern brown bandicoot has undergone restrictions in its range due to development, farming and grazing. However the biggest threat to the species in the NT where the species has a sparse distribution is altered fire regimes.
Foxes, dogs and feral cats also prey on the species.
Direct competition for food and habitat from rabbits and livestock has also resulted in decreased population sizes. However, the species is considered stable and of least concern due to its wide distribution, including protected areas and tolerance of a range of habitats
