Barrow Island
Golden Bandicoot (Isoodon auratus)
The golden bandicoot was taken off the list of endangered species and is currently classified as “vulnerable”. The largest population of golden bandicoots is located on Barrow Island primarily because there are no cats or foxes that prey on the species. There are very small populations in the Northern Territory and Western Australia. Birds are the primary threat to this species. Golden bandicoots also have to compete with rabbits for food.
A golden bandicoot will nest in the hollow of a tree or on the ground; the nest is made of various plant materials. The preferred climate of this species appears to be similar to that of a rainforest. When the temperature rises the golden bandicoot will leave its nest and burrow in some sandy soil in an attempt to keep cool.
The golden bandicoot averages about 350mm from head to tail making it the smallest of the short nosed bandicoots. The back of a golden bandicoot is covered in golden fur (with some black streaks) that fades into a light rust color on the sides/face which then fades into a pale amber on the underbelly. The feet are the same color as the underbelly and have sharp claws. There are black eyes on the face as well as a long, flat, pointed nose.
Golden bandicoots are omnivores and enjoy eating succulents (where they get a significant amount of water), insects, plant bulbs, and reptiles (small). Food is found when the animal digs small conical holes in the ground at night, as it is nocturnal. A delicacy for the golden bandicoot would be turtle eggs it digs up when turtles are nesting.
Breeding generally occurs throughout the year and increases when there is plenty of rainfall. Gestation for the pregnant golden bandicoot lasts about 2 weeks. Litters on average produce 3 young that will remain in the mother’s pouch for up to 8 weeks if necessary.
Interestingly, the species was referred to as “old people’s food” by the aboriginals because golden bandicoots are quite slow.
A golden bandicoot will nest in the hollow of a tree or on the ground; the nest is made of various plant materials. The preferred climate of this species appears to be similar to that of a rainforest. When the temperature rises the golden bandicoot will leave its nest and burrow in some sandy soil in an attempt to keep cool.
The golden bandicoot averages about 350mm from head to tail making it the smallest of the short nosed bandicoots. The back of a golden bandicoot is covered in golden fur (with some black streaks) that fades into a light rust color on the sides/face which then fades into a pale amber on the underbelly. The feet are the same color as the underbelly and have sharp claws. There are black eyes on the face as well as a long, flat, pointed nose.
Golden bandicoots are omnivores and enjoy eating succulents (where they get a significant amount of water), insects, plant bulbs, and reptiles (small). Food is found when the animal digs small conical holes in the ground at night, as it is nocturnal. A delicacy for the golden bandicoot would be turtle eggs it digs up when turtles are nesting.
Breeding generally occurs throughout the year and increases when there is plenty of rainfall. Gestation for the pregnant golden bandicoot lasts about 2 weeks. Litters on average produce 3 young that will remain in the mother’s pouch for up to 8 weeks if necessary.
Interestingly, the species was referred to as “old people’s food” by the aboriginals because golden bandicoots are quite slow.
Burrowing Bettong (Bettongia lesueur)
The burrowing bettong is a nocturnal, vulnerable species. Both humans and predators are the main contributors to the decline of the burrowing bettong. Although the burrowing bettong resides in Australia an the islands of Barrow, Bernier, and Dorre. There are no natural predators on Barrow Island, the population of burrowing bettongs on Barrow Island is about 5,000 animals, and this is the only secure population. “Boodie” and “Rat Kangaroo” are other common names for the burrowing bettong. There are efforts being made to bring the species onto the mainland of Australia.
Underground warrens are built by the burrowing bettong for shelter during the day. Notably, the burrowing bettong is the only macropod to use warrens. Upwards of 50 burrowing bettongs will live in the same warrens. This species is extremely social and communicates vocally using grunts, hisses, and squeaks. A single warren may have several entrances, nests are built of grass. Warrens can be found in scrub and hummock grasslands, preferring to dig under firm soil.
The average weight of the burrowing bettong is 1320g. The average head and body measurement is 300mm, the average tail measures 240mm. Burrowing bettongs on Barrow Island are slightly smaller compared to those on Dorre and Bernier Islands. Thick dark golden fur covers the animal but is lighter on the underbelly. Short ears and nose are present. The tip of the burrowing bettong always has black on the bottom half of the tail, however the very tip is sometimes white.
Burrowing bettongs are largely vegetarian and will dig for food using scent to guide them to the food. This species enjoys eating leaves, fruit (particularly figs, they will build their warren under a fig tree if possible), fungi, and occasionally tubers and carrion found on the beach. Burrowing bettongs have been seen looking for food in human inhabited camps.
Male burrowing bettongs are highly aggressive. Breeding will occur throughout the year. The gestation period for this species generally lasts 21 days. Young will leave the pouch after 115 days. Young are born one at a time, a maximum of three young can be raised in one year.
Underground warrens are built by the burrowing bettong for shelter during the day. Notably, the burrowing bettong is the only macropod to use warrens. Upwards of 50 burrowing bettongs will live in the same warrens. This species is extremely social and communicates vocally using grunts, hisses, and squeaks. A single warren may have several entrances, nests are built of grass. Warrens can be found in scrub and hummock grasslands, preferring to dig under firm soil.
The average weight of the burrowing bettong is 1320g. The average head and body measurement is 300mm, the average tail measures 240mm. Burrowing bettongs on Barrow Island are slightly smaller compared to those on Dorre and Bernier Islands. Thick dark golden fur covers the animal but is lighter on the underbelly. Short ears and nose are present. The tip of the burrowing bettong always has black on the bottom half of the tail, however the very tip is sometimes white.
Burrowing bettongs are largely vegetarian and will dig for food using scent to guide them to the food. This species enjoys eating leaves, fruit (particularly figs, they will build their warren under a fig tree if possible), fungi, and occasionally tubers and carrion found on the beach. Burrowing bettongs have been seen looking for food in human inhabited camps.
Male burrowing bettongs are highly aggressive. Breeding will occur throughout the year. The gestation period for this species generally lasts 21 days. Young will leave the pouch after 115 days. Young are born one at a time, a maximum of three young can be raised in one year.
Flatback Turtle
Though we don't know for certain, the flatback turtle is probably the least threatened sea turtle with an annual nesting population of up to 10,000. It can be found near Indonesia and Papua New Guinea but only breeds on the north and northeastern coasts of Australia. Just like its name suggests, this turtle has a flat shell that has slightly overturned edges covered by a thin layer of skin, olive gray color and greasy to the touch. Its shell can measure up to 1 meter, (39 inches), wide and females can weigh up to 90 kilograms, (200 pounds). It also has an olive gray head and flippers.
Since the flatback turtle is a carnivore its diet includes such things as fish, sea cucumbers, prawns, jellyfish and sometimes it will eat algae. During the day they can be seen catching rays on top of water with sometimes birds perched on them.
Breeding season is between November and December. They mate in the water near the beach and the female will come onto the beach to lay her eggs in the sand. When she does this she must be careful of crocodiles that are waiting for the right moment to strike. Once she has laid her eggs, usually around 50 at a time, they are covered with sand. After a period of 47 to 58 days the eggs hatch and the baby turtles head for the sea. They will stay in shallow waters until they are older and then will head for the open sea. Not much is known on their diet when they are young.
Aboriginal communities used to hunt the flatback turtle for its meat
Since the flatback turtle is a carnivore its diet includes such things as fish, sea cucumbers, prawns, jellyfish and sometimes it will eat algae. During the day they can be seen catching rays on top of water with sometimes birds perched on them.
Breeding season is between November and December. They mate in the water near the beach and the female will come onto the beach to lay her eggs in the sand. When she does this she must be careful of crocodiles that are waiting for the right moment to strike. Once she has laid her eggs, usually around 50 at a time, they are covered with sand. After a period of 47 to 58 days the eggs hatch and the baby turtles head for the sea. They will stay in shallow waters until they are older and then will head for the open sea. Not much is known on their diet when they are young.
Aboriginal communities used to hunt the flatback turtle for its meat