Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat
Conservation
| Habitat | Arid and semi-arid zones |
| Distribution | South Australia and Western Australia |
| Remaining | Up to 100,000 |
| Threats | Competition for grazing by domestic stock and introduced rabbits, sarcoptic mange and drought |
Conservation Ark has been involved in a long-term study of Southern Hairy-nosed Wombats in the Murraylands.
Wombats are one of the largest burrowing animals in the world. Wombat activity in agricultural districts has a long history of conflict with agricultural practices, primarily due to the wombat’s large invasive warrens and grazing nature.
Since 1994, Conservation Ark has been involved with directing and carrying out research examining population dynamics, assisted reproduction, seasonal breeding patterns, disease and their relationship to climatic variables.
Our partners include The University of Adelaide, Department for Environment and Heritage, Monash University, University of Melbourne and Ron Dibben.
What can you do to help?
Conservation Ark have developed "Wombat Muster" to encourage members of the public and corporate bodies to come and get involved in real research, including catching wombats to help measure reproductive status, health and home range movement.
This is a fantastic opportunity to see what it is that conservation scientists actually do, have some great fun, and cuddle a wombat.
Did you know...
- The Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat is the smallest of the wombat species, but it can still weigh up to 38 kg.
- These wombats can run at speeds of up to 40 km/h.
- Wombats are good at conserving water, and can go a long time without drinking.
- They have powerful shoulders and forearms which they use to dig large burrows
- The wombat research conducted by Conservation Ark won the 2009 ARAZPA Research Award.
Gallery
Click on image to zoom
