Reported sightings have dropped in recent years, which researchers suggest points to "range retraction"  for the vulnerable species, which is considered functionally extinct on the mainland.

Natural Resource Management North received funding for five years under a Landcare program to run a WildTracker program - but it relies on public sightings to determine where the bandicoot have moved to.

NRM North biodiversity co-ordinator Derek Hamer said they had disappeared from the midlands and other former regular sighting areas.

He said their research was aiming to determine where high value habitat existed for bandicoots, and to connect and better protect these areas.

"Bandicoots in Tasmania appear to be in trouble," Dr Hamer said.

"What we're trying to do is work out where they are now so we can focus our efforts in those areas to implement on-ground actions that improve the landscape for the eastern barred bandicoot.

More on fauna conservation efforts:

"WildTracker cameras only tell us what's going on near the camera. The best thing is to use the eyes of the people who reside around the areas of north-east Tasmania."

He said eastern barred bandicoots were at particular risk from feral cats, and the destruction of their habitat - like native understory near woodland - put them at further risk.

While they usually come out at night, bandicoots can also be spotted in the early morning or late evening. Gardens that are near dense vegetation with moisture can also be sighting areas.

Dr Hamer said it was urgent to ensure they did not follow the same trajectory of their mainland cousins.

"It's unclear what the numbers are at the moment," he said.

"They are disappearing from areas where they once were, indicating a range retraction problem.

"The number of sightings has really dropped away. We don't know when that is going to stop."

To report a sighting, including bandicoots found dead on the road, visit www.nrmnorth.org.au.