Species · GBIF taxon 2437729
Greater Bandicoot Rat
Bandicota indicaAlso known as Indian Bandicoot Rat, Large Bandicoot Rat
Greater bandicoot rats are formidable rodents that construct extensive burrow systems in agricultural fields, gardens, and urban outskirts. They are highly aggressive when cornered, emitting deep, pig-like grunts and bristling their shaggy blackish-brown fur to deter threats. These nocturnal giants play a significant ecological role as both agricultural pests and a major food source for larger predators.
NocturnalBurrowingAdaptable
- diet
- Omnivorous, feeding on crops, seeds, insects, mollusks, and small vertebrates
- family
- Muridae
- threats
- Pest control measures, habitat alteration, and hunting for food in some regions
- life Span
- 1 to 2 years in the wild
LC
Can deliver a severe defensive bite and carry zoonotic diseases; avoid cornering or handling.
Carries pathogens like Leptospira and hantaviruses, and can inflict deep wounds with its large, powerful incisors.
Never attempt to trap, corner, or handle wild individuals; contact local pest control if they enter dwellings.- Observe from a distance: Watch for their nocturnal activity near field edges or compost heaps using a red light.
- Look for burrow entrances: Identify their presence by large soil mounds near waterways and crop fields.