Long-nosed bandicoot

Long-nosed bandicoot[1] 
Conservation status

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[2]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Infraclass: Marsupialia
Order: Peramelemorphia
Family: Peramelidae
Genus: Perameles
Species: P. nasuta
Binomial name
Perameles nasuta
Geoffroy, 1804
Long-nosed Bandicoot range

The long-nosed bandicoot (Perameles nasuta) is a species of bandicoot found in Australia. It is the largest member of its genus, which also includes the eastern barred bandicoot and the desert bandicoot.[3]

It is much less colourful than its relatives, being primarily a sandy-brown or greyish colour. It is nocturnal, non-climbing, solitary, and omnivorous. Body length 400 mm; tail length 140 mm; weight 1.5 kg. It has a very prominent long nose and small pointed upright ears, a hunched-looking posture, a rear-facing pouch, and three long, clawed toes on front feet. Digs small holes in gardens looking for grubs and is often found near compost heaps. Droppings 35 mm by 10 mm. Has a high-pitched squeak when disturbed.[4]

Distribution and habitat

It is distributed along the eastern coast of Australia from Cape York Peninsula in Queensland to New South Wales and Victoria.[4] Found in rainforest, moist gullies and grassy woodlands.[4]

Footnotes

  1. Groves, C. P. (2005). "Order Peramelemorphia". In Wilson, D. E.; Reeder, D. M. Mammal Species of the World (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 40. ISBN 978-0-8018-8221-0. OCLC 62265494.
  2. Lunney, D., Dickman, C. & Menkhorst, P. (2008). Perameles nasuta. In: IUCN 2008. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved 28 December 2008. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
  3. Menkhorst, Peter (2001). A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia. Oxford University Press. p. 78.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Wildlife of Tropical North Queensland. Queensland Museum Publication. (2000), p. 335.

External links