Shark Bay Bandicoot

Perameles bougainville

Australia's Threatened Species Category

Endangered

Listed since: 31/08/2023

IUCN's Threatened Species Category

Vulnerable

Listed since: 16/03/2014

Population trend: Stable

Other names: None

Priority Species? No

The Australian government's Threatened Species Action Plan 2022-2032 selected over 100 priority species derive from consultation with threatened species experts and the wider community. While all species are important, focusing on a limited number of species can help target effort and resources so that outcomes can be achieved, measured and shared.

Description

The Shark Bay Bandicoot is the smallest of the bandicoots and is one of the long-nosed bandicoots. The only remnant wild populations occur on Bernier and Dorre Islands in Shark Bay, within the Shark Bay World Heritage Property, off Western Australia. Shark Bay Bandicoots are nocturnal omnivores, and shelter through the day in concealed nests or leaf litter. Nests are dug in a small hollow under shrubs.

Threats

The primary cause of the disappearance of Shark Bay Bandicoots is predation by feral cats and foxes and competition with introduced herbivores, particularly rabbits.