Wombats
The arid and semi-arid regions of Australia are home to one of the world's largest burrowing mammals - the wombat.
Wombats spend three quarters of the lifetime underground in purpose-built burrows where the temperature remains cool and constant despite large fluctuations in temperature above the ground. There are three species of wombat:
- the Common wombat (Vombatus ursinus)
- the Southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons)
- the Northern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus krefftii).
Wombats are the closest genetic relative of the koala and they share some similar traits. They both have rearward opening pouches and a large bony plate across their rump.
Common wombats are solitary and do not readily share burrows in the wild, but the two hairy-nosed species regularly share burrows. The northern hairy-nosed wombat is critically endangered and is among the top ten most endangered mammals on Earth.
Rockhampton Zoo is home to five Southern hairy-nosed wombats who have all regularly taken part in strictly non-invasive research programs focused on improving captive husbandry management. When you visit Rockhampton Zoo, you will see the purpose-built Wombat Research Centre at the back of the wombat enclosure. Unfortunately, this is not open to the public to visit at this stage.
| Distribution and habitat |
Across Australia |
| Conservation status* |
Northern hairy-nosed wombat - Critically Endangered
Southern hairy-nosed wombat - Near threatened
Common wombat - Least concern
|
| Diet |
Grass |
* Classified by IUCN
