Some types of Australian bandicoot that live in desert areas have already become extinct and the others are endangered. The western barred bandicoot now only lives in Shark Bay, where it exists on only some of the islands. The eastern barred bandicoot is restricted to Tasmania but there are a few of the animals in some parts of Victoria on the mainland.
The bandicoot's main enemies are man, and the dogs, cats and foxes that man has introduced. Bandicoots have always been hunted by the Aborigines for their meat and hides, but they are now persecuted for causing damage to crops and flower beds in gardens and orchards, in their search for grubs and worms. Such persecution is one reason why bandicoots are declining faster than most other marsupials.
Another reason is the destruction of protective ground cover by grazing sheep and cattle, and by wild rabbits. (Rabbits are another animal introduced into Australia by European settlers). In areas of low rainfall, where huge stretches of land are given over to the grazing herds, bandicoots are in real need of protection.
The bandicoot's main enemies are man, and the dogs, cats and foxes that man has introduced. Bandicoots have always been hunted by the Aborigines for their meat and hides, but they are now persecuted for causing damage to crops and flower beds in gardens and orchards, in their search for grubs and worms. Such persecution is one reason why bandicoots are declining faster than most other marsupials.
Another reason is the destruction of protective ground cover by grazing sheep and cattle, and by wild rabbits. (Rabbits are another animal introduced into Australia by European settlers). In areas of low rainfall, where huge stretches of land are given over to the grazing herds, bandicoots are in real need of protection.
