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About quenda (southern brown bandicoot)

The quenda, or southern brown bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus subsp. fusciventer), is a small marsupial often encountered in and around urban areas near bushland in Perth, and the south-west of Western Australia.

The quenda is protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950.

(Image credit: Narelle Dybing)

Like many of Australia’s digging mammals, the quenda is considered an ecosystem engineer — their digging activities alter their physical surroundings, changing resource availability for other plants and animals.

The ‘ecosystem services’ provided by quenda are likely to be crucial to maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

Can you feed quenda?

We asked Dr Alison Hillman, a vet with an interest in urban fauna.

Dr Hillman says rather than feeding quenda, it is recommended that people provide a safe habitat where quenda can find their own natural food.

If you do choose to offer food to quenda, follow these tips to minimise the risk of causing harm.

Food that is harmful to quenda

Don't offer foods that are harmful to quenda, including:

  • Raw meat and cooked bones
  • Bread, cakes, crackers and other processed human food
  • Garlic, onions and macadamia nuts - all of which are poisonous to other animals.

Offer healthier options

Quenda are only small, and they might be receiving food at multiple houses!

Try one of these options:

  • No more than 2 mealworms per quenda per day
  • No more than 2 dog/cat kibbles per quenda per day
  • No more than a 1cm x 1cm cube of fruit or veg per quenda per day.

Be mindful of portion control.

Offer food less often

Try every second or third day, rather than daily.

Avoid creating a dangerous situation for quenda

Predators can learn where and when quenda are feeding.

Offer food in different locations at different times of the day. 

Place food close to dense vegetation so quenda can escape if they need to.

Learn more about quenda

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) has fauna notes and guidance on living with quenda.

DBCA: Living with Wildlife

Activities and stories for children

What to do if you find an injured quenda

Contact Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.