Bandicoots are a rare order of mammals, distributed exclusively on the Australian continent and the island of New Guinea. These animals are unique in their kind. Outwardly, they may resemble rats or badgers.
Bandicoots are a small detachment of marsupial mammals, which includes 7 genera and 16 species. The distribution area of these living creatures is Australia and the island of New Guinea. Some scientists, due to a number of features, distinguish bandicoots into a separate detachment, but the main feature of bandicoots, thanks to which they are classified as marsupial animals, is the underdeveloped placenta.
Bandicoots are sometimes called marsupial badgers. The length of the animal's body, depending on the species, can vary from 15 to 50 cm. In general, these creatures are somewhat reminiscent of a rat. They have an elongated muzzle and large ears. The hind legs are much longer than the front ones. The coat is short, brown, brown or gray.
Pregnancy of bandicoots lasts up to two weeks. The number of children in a litter is usually small 1-3 (maximum number - 5). In some species, babies develop rapidly after birth due to an underdeveloped nipple in the pouch, and after 60 days they lead an independent lifestyle. Other cubs are carried in a pouch for up to 80 days.
Bandicoots live in different biotopes from desert and steppe to swampy, bushy, and forest parts. Animals are active at night. Bandicoots are omnivorous, but prefer insects. A smaller proportion of their diet consists of fruits, tubers, and a variety of shoots. During the day they spend the night in abandoned burrows and various depressions. If there are no ready-made burrows, they can form grass nests in the thickets.