Fauna
Mammal

Northern Brown Bandicoot

Isoodon macrourus

Also known as Northern Bandicoot, Brindled Bandicoot

Northern brown bandicoots are solitary, ground-dwelling marsupials renowned for rapid reproduction, boasting one of the shortest gestation periods of any mammal at just twelve and a half days. They spend the night digging characteristic conical foraging pits in leaf litter and soil with strong foreclaws, consuming subterranean invertebrates and fungi. While daytime is spent sheltered in camouflaged ground nests made of twigs and grasses, they aggressively defend their home ranges from other bandicoots.

MarsupialNocturnalGround Dweller
Northern Brown Bandicoot reference1 / 7
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyBeetle Larvae, Earthworms, Subterranean Fungi
Predators
  • Feral Cat
  • Red Fox
  • Carpet Python
ThreatsPredation by feral cats, red foxes, and domestic dogs, alongside urban clearing and frequent fires
HabitatsWoodlands, open forests, wet scrublands, grasslands, and suburban gardens
Life span2–4 years in the wild
Classification
  1. FamilyPeramelidae
  2. SpeciesIsoodon macrourus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
May bite or scratch sharply if cornered or handled; observe quietly from a respectful distance.
Why it is dangerous
Sharp claws and sharp teeth can easily puncture human skin during improper handling, and individuals may carry native ticks.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Stout, rat-like marsupial with grizzled brown-grey fur, small rounded ears, and a tapered snout.
What to do
Do not attempt to pick up or restrain; call a licensed wildlife rescue organization if an animal appears injured.
Responsible observation
  • Look For Foraging Pits: Look for distinct, cone-shaped holes in lawns and leaf litter where they dig for grubs.
  • Nighttime Spotting: Walk quietly along woodland borders or overgrown gardens with a red-filtered flashlight after dusk.
  • Pet Safety: Secure domestic dogs and cats at night to avoid deadly encounters with roaming bandicoots.
Related species
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