Bioturbation by bandicoots facilitates seedling growth by altering soil properties Findings Factsheet

Mammals and other animals who dig for food or shelter move and rework the soil, a process known as bioturbation. The cumulative effect of this small-scale bioturbation by digging animals can be surprisingly important for broader-scale landscape processes. Consequently, many of Australia’s digging mammals are considered ecosystem engineers. In particular, their bioturbation influences soil turnover, nutrient cycling and water infiltration, which in turn facilitates seedling recruitment and growth.