You may choose to restrict the collection or use of your personal information in the following ways: Triggs, B. (1996) The Wombat: Common Wombats in Australia. Australian Natural History Series, University of New South Wales Press, Sydney. Pp.: xi+148.

There are several subspecies of the common wombat: the Mainland Common Wombat ( Vombatus ursinus hirsutus), Tasmanian wombat ( Vombatus Ursinus Tasmaniensis), and the Flinders Island wombat ( Vombatus ursinus ursinus). Food shortages and long droughts have driven this species away from their native and historic habitats. They are now found in two small locations in Queensland, Australia. They’ve evolved to excavating intricate tunnel systems with multiple chambers, entrances, and escape routes. A wombat is capable of shifting three cubic feet of dirt in one day. 17. Wombat burrows are really long Bare-nosed Wombat is one of the few marsupials that are active above the snowline in winter, however they appear to be less active than during warmer months. In summer, the animal is mainly nocturnal, emerging from its burrow when the air cools down, to avoid high temperatures. In general, wombats spend most of their lives (about two thirds) in their burrows. Feeding and dietAll three wombat species live in Australia and Tasmania. Their habitats include mountainous regions, forests, and grasslands. 15. Critically endangered According to IUCN, the southern hairy-nosed wombat is listed as “near threatened,” the northern hairy-nosed wombat is listed as “critically endangered,” and the common wombat is listed as “least concern.” Conservation Efforts:

Breeding may occur at any time of the year, with a single young being born. However, in the highlands of New South Wales, most wombats give birth during December-March, while in Tasmania there is an apparent bias towards October-January being the birthing season. On Flinders Island no births occur between September-January months. However, like Koalas, and unlike kangaroos, the wombat pouch is rear-facing rather than front-facing. There are three species of wombats: The common wombat ( Vombatus ursinus), the Southern hairy-nosed wombat( Lasiorhinus latifrons), and the Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat ( Lasiorhinus krefftii). Today’s wombat is much smaller than their ancestors. Diprotodons were huge marsupials that roamed Australia in herds around the time of the Ice Age. A statue of Fatso was actually erected outside Sydney’s Stadium after the games, but was stolen a few months later, presumably by some avid fans! Facts about wombats – more animal facts!Wombat burrows are continuously being built by their owners into a long, complex network of tunnels and warrens. At the time of European settlement, 200 years ago, the Bare-nosed Wombat was wide spread from southeastern Queensland, through New South Wales along the Great Dividing Range to most of Victoria (except the northwestern corner of the state). It was also present in the southeast of South Australia, in Tasmania and on many of the larger Bass Strait Islands. Their strong feet, with long claws, plus their barrel-shaped body have evolved to enable them to move away from roaming around Australia as large creatures.