Pig-footed bandicoot (SciiFii)

The pig-footed bandicoots, both the northern pig-footed bandicoots (Chaeropus yirratji) and southern pig-footed bandicoots (Chaeropus ecaudatus), are species of small mammals that was once extinct during the twentieth century, but has since been brought back from extinction by SciiFii and reintroduced back to their former range, once the rabbits (competitors) as well as foxes and cats (non-native predators) are now under control from native predators. The species were unique marsupials, of the order Peramelemorphia (bandicoots and bilbies), that had unusually thin legs yet were able to move rapidly. The pig-footed bandicoots inhabit dense vegetation on the arid and semi-arid plains of Australia. Their superficial appearance resemble the true bandicoots or kangaroo-rats, although very small and dainty, and comparable to the size of a young rabbit or kitten The feet of forelimbs resemble those of the genus Sus and the hind legs are seen as similar to a horse. The species have a body size of 23–26 cm and a 10–15 cm long tail. In form, they are almost bilby-like on first sight, having long, slender limbs, large, pointed ears, and a long tail. On closer examination, however, it is apparent that the pig-footed bandicoots are very unusual for marsupials. The forefeet has two functional toes with hooves, similar to the cloven hoof of a pig or deer; this is due to juveniles being deposited in the pouch through external stalks, thus relieving them of using the forelimbs while as joeys. The hind feet has an enlarged fourth toe with a heavy claw shaped like a tiny horse's hoof, with the other toes being vestigial: only the fused second and third toes being useful, and that not for locomotion but for grooming. They have broad heads, and a long yet slender snout. Their fur is coarse and straight, but not spiny. In color they vary from grizzled grey through fawn to orange-brown, the belly and underparts are white with the fur on the ears being of chestnut color. Both species of pig-footed bandicoots are the most herbivorous of the peramelemorphs, mostly consisting of  leaves, roots and grasses, but can also feed on grasshoppers, ants and termites. The conservation status of both species of pig-footed bandicoots is Near threatened due to historic hunting from non-native predators, but thanks to conservation, in the form of captive breeding, as well as recovering the native predators to hunt the invasive species, and even reintroducing Tasmanian devils to mainland Australia (based on evidence of Tasmanian devils being once native to the mainland Australia), the pig-footed bandicoots are starting to recover from invasive species.
Category:Animals
Category:SciiFii
Category:Cenozoic Park