Our new research shows humans have maligned bandicoots for decades, making them more vulnerable to extinction
Have you ever found your lawn riddled with holes or heard a little sneeze from your backyard bushes? Those are signs you might have a resident bandicoot. Bandicoots are nocturnal, rabbit-sized marsupials known for their pointy snouts, thin tails and large hind feet. Due to these features, they were originally misnamed after a type of rat from India, the pandi-kokku, or "pig-rat" (Bandicota sp.).
Our latest research reveals that humans have long maligned bandicoots, leading to their vulnerability to extinction. Bandicoots are nocturnal, rabbit-sized marsupials native to Australia and New Guinea. Despite their small size and innocuous appearance, they have been misnamed since they were initially mistaken for a type of rat from India.
Bandicoots have played a vital role in Australian ecosystems by digging up soil, spreading beneficial fungi, and reducing bushfire risks. However, their reputation was marred by humans due to their digging habits, which damaged crops. Europeans hunted bandicoots for sport, food, and fur during early colonization. Farmers and landholders also resented them for damaging maize, potatoes, and gardens.
The situation worsened with the arrival of invasive predators like cats and foxes, as well as habitat destruction. Additionally, bandicoots became a scapegoat for the transmission of Q fever, a disease spread by infected animals. Education and habitat conservation are crucial to reversing the negative perception of bandicoots and ensuring their survival.
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