The Quenda is NOT a rat
Western Wildlife
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The Southern Brown Bandicoot (in WA it is also known by its Nyoongar aboriginal name of Quenda) is one of WA's most endearing medium sized mammals. It is often unfairly referred to as a rat-like mammal, and indeed the name bandicoot is Indonesian for Rat!
A close encounter with a bandicoot, however, is likely to dispel any adverse perceptions you may have of it. They are often encountered in the early morning or at night, on walks through some of Perth's bushland areas. In some places they are even active during the day in places with large native gardens, such as Universities and High Schools!
Up close, the bandicoot appears small and brown. It can be quite small, often not much larger than a brown rat (unfortunately leading to misidentification and often wrongful accusations by members of the public!). However, they can grow to be as big as rabbits.
Adult Quenda. Picture by Alan Cambage.
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