Threats to Bandicoot Population
Bandicoots, one of the rarest creatures in the world are swiftly
becoming extinct due to the loss of their environmental surroundings and
failure to cope with other animals for food sources. The origination of
livestock animals and rabbits, have significantly affected the
bandicoot's habitat and food source. Earlier, attempts were made to
catch and exterminate rabbits but it had a negative effect on the
bandicoot population as well.
Different threats posed to this species
As the bandicoots usually execute the needful task of digging up the
land and other young insects, pet dogs and cats pose a danger to their
existence. Contaminating the land to liberate it from the lawn grubs is
also a serious threat.
Alike other predators, foxes are one of the greatest menaces to the
bandicoots. After their introduction in Australia, they have been
accountable for hunting down many small species including the
bandicoots. They fall easy prey to the foxes because they are probably
the weakest marsupial.
Another big threat is the destruction of their natural habitat through
clearing of forests, bushlands, thorny wild plants and grasslands, which
has resulted in lack of proper shelter and food for the bandicoots.
Cats are one more menace to the population of the bandicoots. They smell
the presence of bandicoots, attack their shelter and eat sleeping
bandicoots. They even hunt them at the time when they come out from
their nests in search of food. They also cause trouble among the
bandicoot population by inflicting parasites, which they carry in their
guts. A deadly disease called Toxoplasmosis carried by cats kill small
animals like the bandicoots and even other marsupials.
Even dogs are drawn closer to the bandicoots with the smell from their
grass-filled shelter and they end up either injuring them or killing
these sleeping animals. The human are also not far away in destroying
the bandicoot population. The fast moving cars are also somewhat
responsible for their deaths. At night, when they are out of their
shelters in search of food, they may have to explore a large territory
where they even cross the roads and while doing so the fast approaching
cars hit them.
Snail Pellets, which are quite poisonous, are accountable for killing
bandicoots and other wildlife animals.
How can you help?
Call the Taskforce that gets rid of foxes at 1300 FOXOUT or you can even
lend a hand in the fox control programs. You can take active
responsibility in building the Bandicoot’s surrounding and provide them
with a safe shelter. Choose some dense areas with thorny bushes and
shrubs and plant grasses and small plants. When you are cleaning the
land, make sure you keep an exit that would allow the bandicoots to move
out of the way of your cleaning.
To gather any additional assistance and knowledge on how to maintain
wildlife habitat, contact the Biodiversity Conservation Branch of DPIW.
Do not allow cats to move around during the daytime or at night. If
possible, lock up your cat in an outdoor cathouse or keep it inside the
house, just as you would do with your pet dog. You can even get your cat
de-sexed to stop unnecessary reproduction of kittens and stray cats.
Make sure that no stray dogs or even your pet dog is roaming near the
habitats of the bandicoots, such as near the bush lands, grasslands and
near the hedges. If possible, secure that area from dogs and allow space
to these little creatures to move out.
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