Mammals
Northern Brown Bandicoot
Isoodon macrourus · also called northern brown bandicoots
Leaving behind a scatter of small conical pits across a suburban lawn overnight, a northern brown bandicoot has been quietly foraging for buried insects and fungi, one of the more common and adaptable native marsupials found close to people across coastal Australia.
Overview
The northern brown bandicoot, Isoodon macrourus, is a common, adaptable marsupial native to forest and grassland habitat across coastal northern and eastern Australia and parts of New Guinea. Its distinctive conical digging pits, rapid reproductive cycle, and comfortable coexistence with suburban gardens make it one of the more frequently encountered native marsupials found anywhere near Australian towns and cities.
A digger that thrives close to people
Unlike many native marsupials that have retreated from human development, the northern brown bandicoot has adapted readily to suburban gardens and parks, leaving its trademark small digging pits as evidence of a nightly foraging routine that continues largely undisturbed.
Status
Least Concern, remaining common and widespread across suitable forest and grassland habitat throughout coastal northern and eastern Australia.
Northern Brown Bandicoot: common questions
Why does the northern brown bandicoot leave small holes in lawns and gardens?
This species leaves behind small, distinctive conical digging pits as it searches for buried insects, larvae, fungi, and roots using strong foreclaws, a foraging habit that often brings it into close contact with suburban gardens and parks.
How fast can the northern brown bandicoot reproduce?
This species has a notably short gestation period and can produce multiple litters in a single year, a reproductive strategy that helps it maintain stable populations even in areas with considerable predation pressure from introduced foxes and cats.
Is the northern brown bandicoot social?
No, this species is largely solitary, foraging alone at night and constructing its own simple grass nest for daytime shelter, coming together with other individuals mainly during the breeding season rather than living in groups.
Where does the northern brown bandicoot live?
This species is native to forest and grassland habitat across coastal northern and eastern Australia, as well as parts of New Guinea, adapting well to suburban gardens and parks alongside its more natural habitat.