Photo: C & D
Frith
Australia's Wet Tropics
Rainforest Lif |
Long Nosed Bandicoot: Perameles nasuta
- A carnivorous marsupial with a reverse pouch.
- Greyish-brown colour on the back, creamy white underside.
- Forefeet and the upper surface of the hind feet are also creamy white.
- Muzzle is long and pointed, much more so than in Short-Nosed Bandicoots.
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Habitat:
- Days are spent in shallow nests which have been dug into the rainforest floor and
lined with grass and leaves they gather with its forelegs. The upper surface of the nest,
which is sometimes flattened and partly covered with soil, may be well concealed under
rainforest litter. When the nest is in use, its entrance is closed.
Diet:
- In searching for food, the bandicoot digs holes with its forefeet; these holes
are large enough to fit its snout underground.
- Whilst digging, the Long-Nosed Bandicoot moves about sniffing the ground and a
shrill, grunt-like sound often indicates the presence of food.
- These bandicoots feed on insects and foodstuffs found underground, in rotted logs
and rainforest floor.
Social Behaviour:
- These are solitary animals
- Meetings between males and females are restricted to their mating seasons. -
Breeding occurs throughout the year.
Viewing Opportunities:
- Will often be seen after dark at Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodge digging in
the rainforest floor.
- Commonly seen on Lake Eacham roadway illuminated by the car headlights.
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