As a proud resident, I’m pleased to report that Koo Wee Rup supports a local endangered species. The Southern Brown Bandicoot is being protected by The Friends Of The Southern Brown Bandicoot and their fellow residents of the Koo Wee Rup swamp area, with the support of local councils and Melbourne Water. Residents have been informed of four local population clusters, where the Cardinia Environment Coalition operates a native preservation site called Bandicoot Corner. Local supporters have created ‘bandicoot runs’ to help protect the creatures from foxes, feral cats and dogs.
Unnecessary clearance along drains and roadsides have been prohibited and a five year plan has been set up to maximise the long term viability of the bandicoot.
The Southern Brown Bandicoot marsupial has a long snout, small round ears, a short tail and large rump. The bandicoot is roughly a third to half the size of a rabbit (280-360 mm). They have brown fur with a golden speckled appearance and a pale white to cream coloured underside(c).
Tags: Brown Fur, Cats And Dogs, Drains, Ears, Endangered Species, Fellow Residents, Foxes, Local Councils, Marsupial, Melbourne Water, Population Clusters, Proud Resident, Rabbit, Rump, Rup, Snout, Southern Brown Bandicoot, Speckled Appearance, Swamp Area, Term Viability