Their diet consists of grass, fungi mushroom, moss, and leaves. Until recently, all of the world’s Northern hairy-nosed wombats were found in one population at Epping Forest National Park in central Queensland, Australia. D&D Beyond The goal of the 2004-2008 recovery plan was to achieve a total population of 150 Northern hairy-nosed wombat in two wild populations and at least one captive population. COMMON NAME CONSERVATION STATUS; Common Wombat: Least concern: SCIENTIFIC NAME SIZE; Vombatus ursinus: 840-1150 mm (33.1-45.3 in) FAMILY WEIGHT; Vombatidae: 22-39 kg (48.5-86.0 lb) ORDER LIFESPAN; Diprotodontia: 5 years approx. The only other remaining species of wombat in NSW, the endangered southern hairy-nosed wombat, was considered extinct until relatively recently. The second population at Richard Underwood Nature Refuge near St George in southern Queensland means that there is a reduced risk of extinction in the wild as a result of disease, fire or flood sweeping through a single population. 2. They are generally nocturnal but will sun themselves on winter mornings and afternoons. Despite this, the species remains at real risk. When Epping Forest National Park was established to protect the last population, the population contain as few as 35 individuals. Fandom Apps Take your favorite fandoms with you and never miss a beat. For years, scientists had wanted to remove some individuals to a new home in order to start a new population. Northern hairy-nosed wombats have poor eyesight. Common Name: Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat Scientific Name: Lasiorhinus krefftii Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Diprotodontia Genus: Lasiorhinus Species: L. krefftii The northern hairy-nosed wombat is a herbivore because it does not eat any meat. The common wombat is still hunted as vermin. 2. This large, stocky mammal is a marsupial, or pouched animal, found in Australia and on scattered islands nearby. These animals competed wit the wombats for grass, especially during droughts, which are common in northern hairy-nosed wombat country. The field and pasture damage caused by wombat burrowing can be a nuisance to ranchers and farmers. The Common Wombat. Adult Northern hairy-nosed wombats may grow as large as 40 kg but the average adult weight is 32 kg. Most young are born in the wet season (November to April). The species is now represented by only 2 populations: the majority at Epping Forest National Park in central Queensland and a small number in Richard Underwood Nature Refuge near St George in Queensland. Indeed, it is such an accomplished burrower that early settlers called it a 'badger', a term that is still heard today. Scientific name: Vombatus Ursinus. The number of females breeding in any one year correlates closely with summer rainfall. Depictions of the animals in rock art are exceptionally rare, though examples estimated to be up to 4,000 years old have been discovered in Wollemi National Park. The Northern hairy-nosed wombat is the largest member of the family Vombatidae which contains two other wombat species: the Bare-nosed wombat, Vombatus ursinus, and Southern hairy-nosed wombat, Lasiorhinus latifrons. They live in these burrows, which can become extensive tunnel-and-chamber complexes. When the drought broke, numbers increased to their current level of 176. The Northern hairy-nosed wombat is the largest of the 3 species of wombat, reaching weights of 40 kg, but averaging 32 kg. Wombats are vegetarians (herbivores) with a diet that consists mainly of … The oldest wild Northern hairy-nosed wombat was at least 23 years old. In 2009, the first individuals were relocated to a new site within the species’ historic range. Your support is vital if we are to bring the Northern hairy-nosed wombat back from the brink of extinction. Competition for food with introduced species (cattle, sheep, and rabbits) is thought to have been a major cause of the wombats’ decline. Research on the closely related Southern hairy-nosed wombat, Lasiorhinus latifrons, has shown that gestation lasts for 21 days and a single young is usually born. It is smaller than V. ursinus hirsutus. V. u. tasmaniensis is found in Tasmania. Weaning occurs around 12 months. i-viii 249-552 [504]. Played 3,063 times. WildNet taxon ID 831 Alternate name(s) naked-nosed wombat bare-nosed wombat island wombat forest wombat coarse-haired wombat By splitting the population, there would be reduced risk of losing the species in the event of fire, flood, disease or significant predation. The Northern hairy-nosed wombat is the largest of the 3 species of wombat, reaching weights of 40 kg, but averaging 32 kg. Pouch life is usually 8-9 months, followed by up to six months where the young wombat stays close to its mother. Its popul… 2020 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Longevity in the wild is unknown but the oldest known wild Northern hairy-Nosed Wombat was at least 23 years old when captured during 2006. By about seven months of age, a young wombat can care for itself. An average wombat measures 84-115cm (33-42.3in) from the head to the end of the body. The development of a second population at Yarran Downs represents a significant step towards the establishment of viable populations throughout the historic range of the Northern hairy-nosed wombat. Demographic and life-history data are difficult to obtain on the Northern hairy-nosed wombat because of its burrowing and nocturnal habit, its reluctance to be trapped, and the absence of any individuals in captivity. In addition, competition with native herbivores, and predation by dingoes pose potential threats to the wombat population. The Northern hairy-nosed wombat previously inhabited open woodlands in the semi-arid zone of eastern Australia. Northern hairy-nosed wombats eat almost 100% grass. An American seeing one would likely mistake it for a pudgy groundhog and then go looking for a killer bird or venomous duck billed animal. Wombats use their strong claws to dig burrows in open grasslands and eucalyptus forests. 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