Animal of month – Eastern Barred Bandicoot

We spoke with Ranger Emma about the Eastern Barred Bandicoot – Perameles gunnii this week! Thanks Emma for answering all our questions!

Where can we find the Eastern Barred Bandicoot in Victoria:

Eastern Barred Bandicoots are found in special protected area around Victoria! Although the Eastern Barred Bandicoot is facing some challenges on the mainland of Victoria, this is due to some pesky predators, the species is thriving on islands close to Melbourne. Churchills Island, Phillip Island and French Island are the perfect locations for these marsupials to spend their time digging and searching for earthworms and beetles to snack on!

Why is this species special?

Eastern Barred Bandicoots have overcome many many challenges! Previously declared extinct in Victoria, with some assistance from great conservation organisations, this species has been spending some time recuperating in breeding programs. Rangers and Zoo Keepers have released Eastern Barred Bandicoots to protected areas, and they are now considered endangered in the wild – no longer extinct!

Interesting facts:

Eastern Barred Bandicoots have a very quick gestation period! A gestation period is the time it takes to give birth to joeys. An Eastern Barred Bandicoot can do this in 12 and a half days!

How can we (Junior Rangers) connect with this species:

Next time you visit a grassland, look closely to inspect if this area might be good habitat for bandicoots. They love to bound through Kangaroo Grass and hid amongst the small shrubs.

Thank you Ranger Emma for the information about our friends the Eastern Barred Bandicoot.