Eastern Barred Bandicoot
(Perameles gunnii)




Distribution map



Whole brain photographs
• Standard views
• Special views
• Rotating brain cast



Coronal section through middle of brain
• Movie Atlas
• Picture Atlas

Physical characteristics and distribution

Head and body length is 200-425 mm and tail length of 75-170 mm. Weights are 450-900 grams. Coloration is drab brown, dull orange, grayish brown or gray with interspersed black-tipped hairs. Diagonal dark and light bars occur on the rump, sometimes forming and elaborate pattern. Underparts are white or whitish. The snout is long and tapered and the large ears are pointed.

Perameles gunnii inhabits woodlands and open country with good ground cover. Nests are oval mounds of twigs, leaves, and humus on the surface of the ground or in more open areas, excavated chambers or abandoned rabbit burrows, hollow logs, or rock piles. Eastern Barred Bandicoots are nocturnal, terrestrial and extremely active.

They are primarily insectivorous, but also eat a variety of worms, lizards, snails, mice and plant materials.

Females are sexually mature at 3 months and can produce 1-2 litters the same year they are born. Females are polyestrous, breeding from May to February and can have 3-4 litters per season with an average of 2-3 young. There are eight mammae which allows the female to have a litter while the previous litter is being weaned. Young stay in the pouch from 48 to 53 days and are weaned at 59-61 days. Male sexual maturity is achieved at 4-6 months.

They are found in Australia: S Victoria, where restricted to Hamilton and Tasmania.


Description of the brain

The brain weight is 5.313 g (includes R. Trg. & C2 + C3 DRG). The brain meaurements are: Length AP left 20.1 mm; Length AP right 19.5 mm; Bitemporal width 23.5 mm; Temporal height left 15.8 mm; Temporal height right 16.1 mm.


Animal source and preparation
All specimens collected followed the same preparation and histological procedure.

Other Related Resources (websites and publications)



List of Specimens | Explore Collections | Brain Sections | Brain Evolution | Brain Development | Brain Circuitry | Brain Functions | Location and Use | Related Web Sites | Contact Us | Search MSU Database | Personnel | Home