Two new bandicoot species discovered after trawling through museum drawers

This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A 10-year scientific investigation of museum specimens has uncovered two previously unrecognized bandicoot species, expanded the known range of the iconic quenda (or southeastern brown bandicoot) and reshaped understanding of one of Australia's native mammal groups. Our new study examined hundreds of historical and modern specimens from museum collections around the world.

The findings have led to the recognition of two additional species and several new subspecies within the genus Isoodon, commonly known as short-nosed or brown bandicoots. The study is published in the Australian Journal of Taxonomy. Bandicoots are rabbit-sized marsupials found in Australia and New Guinea.

They are distinguishable by their long, pointed snouts, large back legs and short tails. They gather food by digging with their front paws. Most are omnivores, feeding on fungi, roots, insects and other small invertebrates.

There are more than 20 living species of bandicoots, but in Australia, since European colonization, several species have gone extinct. The short-nosed or brown bandicoots are in the genus Isoodon. Until now, five living species were known in Australia and New Guinea.

While some species remain widespread, others have suffered severe declines due to habitat loss, changing fire patterns and introduced predators. These include the golden bandicoot and the southern brown bandicoot, previously listed as vulnerable or endangered. In 2016, one of us (Travouillon) traveled through Europe and the United States to study bandicoot specimens collected more than 100 years ago.

Comparing these specimens with material held in Australian museums showed that existing species classifications might not be quite right. The discovery prompted three of us (Travouillon, Cooper and Bertozzi) to embark on a larger research project. We went to museums around Australia, collecting measurements and genetic samples from specimens from across the continent and New Guinea.