Range

Australia is the native home of the southern hairy nosed wombat. Here they are found in the south of the country in South Australia, Western Australia, New South Wales and Victoria.

Habitat

Southern hairy nosed wombats make their home in semi-arid habitats including grasslands, open plains, shrublands, savanna and open woodland.

They rest in a burrow underground which is dug using their powerful limbs. These extensive tunnels may have as many as 20 entrances. When digging they use their strong jaw to remove earth and tree roots which may be in their path. Multiple wombats may live in the same burrow.

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Reproduction

Breeding takes place between July and December. Whether they breed is dependent on environmental conditions and during periods of drought they will not breed.

As a marsupial the southern hairy nosed wombat gives birth to an underdeveloped joey which is about the size of a jellybean and has no fur. This joey climbs its way up to the pouch where it will develop for the next few months. It will attach to one of two teats and begin to drink milk.

Following a successful mating the female will give birth after a 21 day gestation period. A single joey is most common though twins have been observed.

The pouch is a rear opening to prevent sand entering it while the female is digging.

By 10 months old the joey is large enough to leave the pouch. They may continue to suckle by putting their head in the pouch. Once the joey is completely weaned the female will mate again.

They typically become independent between 1.5 and 2 years old.

Sexual maturity is reached at 3 years old.

Behavior

Wombats are very good diggers.

The southern hairy nosed wombat is active by night when they will emerge to feed. Their teeth grow throughout their life and they must feed regularly to help wear them down.

Multiple animals may share a burrow but when feeding they are typically solitary.

Southern hairy nosed wombats are incredibly fast capable of reaching speeds up to 40km/h (24.9mph).

Predators and Threats

Natural predators include dingoes and eagles. Introduced species such as the red fox also pose a threat.

Introduced species such as rabbits, cows, sheep and goats present a threat through competing for food.

When threatened by a predator they will retreat to their burrow. If the predator follows them in to this den they can press the predator against the roof of the burrow using a hard plate on their back.

Humans threaten them through habitat destruction and vehicle strikes. In some parts of their range they are viewed as an agricultural pest and farmers may shoot them.

Quick facts

Wombats are well-known for their cube-shaped feces.

The closest living relative of the wombat is the tree dwelling koala.

During bushfires a number of animals may enter wombat burrows where they are protected from the flames.