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Which introduced animals contributed to the decline of kangaroos and bandicoots in Australia?

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Red kangaroo (Macropus rufus) — marsupial Red kangaroo (*Macropus rufus*). The home range of this species spans much of Australia's interior, and it is the largest member of the family Macropodidae.

Following the British colonization of Australia in the 19th century, the introduction of several non-native species significantly contributed to the decline and extinction of various kangaroos and bandicoots.

The primary introduced animals responsible for this ecological disruption include:

Predators: Foxes and feral cats have been major drivers of predation, directly causing the decline of many small and medium-sized native mammals, including the eastern barred bandicoot.12
Competitors: Rabbits, sheep, goats, and cattle have caused widespread habitat destruction and intense competition for food and resources, particularly in temperate and semiarid grasslands.13

While large kangaroo species have often benefited from human-altered landscapes—such as the clearing of dense vegetation and the creation of permanent water sources—smaller and medium-sized terrestrial mammals have suffered disproportionately from these introduced species and the resulting loss of habitat. Protecting native biodiversity from the impacts of invasive species remains a critical ethical and environmental priority.34