Bandicoots are small to medium-sized marsupials native to Australia and New Guinea. They belong to the family Peramelidae and are known for their long snouts and strong hind legs. Bandicoots are nocturnal and primarily feed on insects, worms, and other small invertebrates, using their keen sense of smell to locate food. There are several species of bandicoots, including the Eastern Barred Bandicoot and the Northern Brown Bandicoot. These animals play an important role in their ecosystems by helping to control insect populations and aerate the soil through their digging activities. Bandicoots are currently facing threats from habitat loss and introduced predators.