long-nosed bandicoot

The long-nosed bandicoot is a species within the genus Perameles, which belongs to the order Peramelemorphia, commonly known as bandicoots. These Australasian marsupials are characterized by their stout bodies, tapered muzzles, and syndactyly (two fused hind toes). They possess a unique rearward-opening pouch and a placenta, distinguishing them from other marsupials.1

Long-nosed bandicoots are terrestrial and primarily nocturnal, foraging for insects and plants. The common long-nosed bandicoot (P. nasuta) is found in eastern Australia, while the eastern barred bandicoot (P. gunnii) is prevalent in Tasmania. Unfortunately, many bandicoot species, including some long-nosed varieties, are endangered or have experienced population declines.1