Western barred bandicoot  (Perameles bougainville)

Primarily a solitary species, the western barred bandicoot tends to occupy a nest alone. The nest is constructed in a scrape and is lined with leaves (5). The entrance is concealed from predators and this nocturnal animal will spend the day sleeping in it (3). Usually individuals will fight when they encounter others, but occasionally two bandicoots are seen to nest together (2). Mating occurs in autumn and winter and just 12 days later a litter of between one and three tiny young is born (3). This is one of the shortest gestation periods of any mammal. Western barred bandicoots will breed opportunistically at other times of year if conditions are suitable. The young remain in the pouch to suckle and develop further for 45 – 60 days, and by 80 days they disperse (6).

This species is omnivorous and will find insects, seeds, roots, herbs and small invertebrates by digging (3).