The bandicoot is a small marsupial native to Australia and New Guinea. It belongs to the family Peramelidae and is known for its long snout and large ears. Bandicoots are nocturnal and primarily feed on insects, worms, and other small invertebrates. They have a unique way of digging for food, using their strong forelimbs and claws. There are several species of bandicoots, including the eastern bandicoot and the long-nosed bandicoot. These animals play an important role in their ecosystems by helping to control insect populations. Bandicoots are also related to other marsupials, such as koalas and kangaroos, which share similar reproductive traits.