Koalas are completely protected, but disease has caused the numbers to diminish. Most Australians regard them with mild affection while wondering why the rest of the world finds them so much more interesting than other, more active animals. Efforts are currently underway to improve the health and numbers of the wild stock. Bandicoots come in different kinds, but most of them vaguely resemble rather pretty rats. They are brown or greyish with bands or stripes down their sides, they have long, rat-like but lightly furred tails, sweet faces and a long, hard, rubbery nose.
Some species are very rare, others seem reasonably common in Tasmania and parts of the mainland.
Since they are nocturnal, you're not likely to see them, but they often leave signs of their presence in lawns and garden beds where they have been digging for grubs. They seem to occupy the same niche as a mole. Most Australians like them, but would prefer them to go and dig up someone else's lawn. Meanwhile, check out the links below for some pictures and lots more information. Used under License.