Any of about
22 species of Australasian marsupial mammals comprising the family Peramelidae.
Bandicoots are 30 to 80 cm (12 to 31 inches) long, including the 10- to 30-centimetre
(4- to 12-inch) sparsely haired tail. The body is stout and coarse haired, the
muzzle tapered, and the hind limbs longer than the front. The toes are reduced
in number; two of the hind digits are united. The teeth are sharp and slender.
The pouch opens rearward and encloses 6 to 10 teats. Unlike other marsupials,
bandicoots have a placenta (lacking villi, however). Most species have two to
six young at a time; gestation takes 12-15 days.
Any of about
22 species of Australasian marsupial mammals comprising the family Peramelidae.
Bandicoots are 30 to 80 cm (12 to 31 inches) long, including the 10- to 30-centimetre
(4- to 12-inch) sparsely haired tail. The body is stout and coarse haired, the
muzzle tapered, and the hind limbs longer than the front. The toes are reduced
in number; two of the hind digits are united. The teeth are sharp and slender.
The pouch opens rearward and encloses 6 to 10 teats. Unlike other marsupials,
bandicoots have a placenta (lacking villi, however). Most species have two to
six young at a time; gestation takes 12-15 days.