How do bandicoots function as critical ecosystem engineers in forests and woodlands?

By turning over soil, increasing leaf litter decomposition, and promoting nutrient cycling.

The bandicoot's primary mode of survival—excavating the soil for sustenance—results in a significant and beneficial impact on their habitat, designating them as crucial ecosystem engineers. This ceaseless digging behavior actively turns over the soil structure. This turnover process has several positive cascading effects on the ecosystem. Specifically, it accelerates the rate at which leaf litter decomposes, which directly aids in the formation of new soil layers. Furthermore, this physical disturbance promotes efficient nutrient cycling throughout the forest and woodland environments. They also play a vital supportive role by dispersing the spores of mycorrhizal fungi, which are essential for the overall health and vigor of the local plant life.