Burrowing bandicoots - an adaptation to life in a fire-prone environment?

Abstract

The southern brown bandicoot, Isoodon obesulus, is regarded as a ground nesting species that is not known to dig burrows for shelter; however, it has been observed sheltering in burrows constructed by other species. During a recent study, two bandicoots were found sheltering in small burrows after a fire. The locations and dimensions of these burrows suggest that they are likely to have been constructed by the bandicoots themselves, rather than by other species.This observation supports other accounts of burrow-use in lesser-known literature, which also suggest bandicoots may construct their own burrows. Burrows are likely to provide an increased level of shelter that allows bandicoots to escape extreme weather conditions and bushfires.