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Bandicoots can be trained to flee predators more quickly

After being captured and released by researchers, seven species of Australian marsupial, including bandicoots and bettongs, learned to flee more quickly the second time

By Joshua Rapp Learn

13 February 2023

Shark bay bandicoot

Western barred bandicoots have been almost wiped out on the Australian mainland by cats and foxes

Nathan Beerkens

Vulnerable Australian marsupials such as bandicoots and bettongs often fail to recognise danger when they encounter invasive predators – but, with training, they may learn to escape more quickly.

These native mammals aren’t adapted to the presence of introduced predators like foxes or cats, so they may lack the instinct to flee. Species like the golden bandicoot, the banded hare-wallaby and others have only survived on offshore islands free from cats and foxes. Others, such as …

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