Perameles is a genus of small to medium-sized marsupials commonly known as bandicoots. These nocturnal creatures are primarily found in Australia and New Guinea, where they inhabit a variety of environments, including forests, grasslands, and heathlands. Bandicoots have elongated snouts, large ears, and a compact body, typically measuring around 30 to 50 centimeters in length, depending on the species.

The fur of Perameles species is generally coarse and can range in color from brown to gray, often with distinctive stripes or spots. They are characterized by their powerful hind legs, which make them excellent diggers, allowing them to forage for insects, worms, and plant matter underground.

Bandicoots are solitary animals, coming together mainly for mating. They have a unique reproductive system, giving birth to underdeveloped young that continue to grow in the mother’s pouch. The conservation status of Perameles species varies, with some, like the Eastern Barred Bandicoot, facing threats from habitat loss and introduced predators