Possible Clues:

• Marsupial also called the Malabar-rat or pig-rat
• Marsupial as well as one canine housed in compartment
• Australian native to speak tenderly in villain's embrace
• Insect-eating marsupial of Australia and New Guinea
• Little animal, also, I caught hiding in shoe
• Big rat
• Robber stifles expression of surprise when rat is seen
• Ring one bird, a native of Australia
• Group one firm books a 23
• Animal makes robber suppress a cry of shock