Have you ever wondered what a wombat is? Wombats are cuddly-looking (but are they really cuddly?) marsupials, native to Australia. Come take a peek into the wild and wacky world of wombats….
What are wombats?
Australia is home to many fascinating creatures, but few capture the imagination quite like the wombat. These stocky, barrel-shaped marsupials are more than just adorable icons of Australian wildlife; they are remarkable animals with unique adaptations and behaviours that make them true wonders of nature. In this blog, we’ll look into the captivating world of wombats, exploring their biology, lifestyle, and answer your question; what are wombats?
Are there different types of wombats?
Wombats are terrestrial marsupials belonging to the family Vombatidae. There are three species of wombats:
- Common Wombat (Vombatus ursinus), found in southern Australia.
- Southern Hairy-Nosed Wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons), found in arid areas.
- Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat (Lasiorhinus krefftii), critically endangered and located in a small region in Queensland.
Wombats are known for their robust bodies, broad heads, and powerful claws. They typically weigh between 20 to 35 kilograms and measure up to one metre in length. Their fur varies in colour from sandy brown to grey, helping them blend into their surroundings.
Where do wombats live?
Master burrow builders
One of the wombat’s most impressive traits is its ability to dig elaborate burrows. Wombats use their strong claws and teeth to excavate extensive underground networks that can be several metres long and include multiple chambers. These burrows provide shelter from extreme temperatures, predators, and harsh weather conditions.
Interestingly, wombats have a backward-facing pouch—a clever adaptation that prevents soil from entering while they dig. Their burrows also play an ecological role, offering refuge for other species during wildfires or other emergencies.
The unique biology of wombats
Wombats boast some quirky biological features. Their teeth, much like those of rodents, grow continuously to compensate for the wear and tear caused by grinding tough vegetation. Their digestive system is incredibly slow—taking up to 14 days to process food—enabling them to extract maximum nutrients from their fibre-rich diet.
One of the most curious wombat traits is their cube-shaped poop. This peculiar adaptation allows their faeces to stay put on uneven surfaces, which wombats use for marking territory and communicating with others. Scientists believe the shape is due to varying elasticity in the walls of their intestines—a fascinating example of evolution at work.
It seems wombats can breed at any time of the year, although mating most often occurs during the winter months but is dependent on the wombats location and the abundance of food. Breeding occurs after reaching sexual maturity at around two years of age. Gestation lasts about 21-30 days, and they usually give birth to a single joey. The joey remains in the mother’s pouch for 6-10 months and is weaned around 12-15 months.
Are wombats dangerous?
While wombats are generally not considered highly dangerous to humans, they can become aggressive if they feel cornered or threatened, and their sharp teeth and powerful claws can cause injury and potential infection. Fortunately, these attacks are rare. Wombats can also carry mange, a parasitic infection that can cause skin irritation and potentially be transmitted to humans.
In 2010 a 60-year-old man was mauled by a wombat outside his caravan as he was going to the toilet. His injuries required him to spend the night in hospital.
In 2016 a woman walking in Canberra was knocked to the ground when her dogs were frightened by a charging wombat. The woman, who thought she was going to die, was only saved when two people came to her aid. She received more than twenty bites and lacerations, three of which required stitches.
Please keep in mind these attacks are very rare. Treated with respect, wombats are very unlikely to bother a person. Just keep a healthy distance away.
Do wombats use their butt as a weapon?
Wombat’s butts are very tough. The wombat butt consists of four fused bony plates, surrounded by cartilage, skin, fat and fur. This ‘rump armour’ is very strong and has few nerves. It makes a strong fortress for blocking the entrance of wombat holes when escaping from predators.
Due to the large number of fox and dog skeletons found in wombat holes, it is speculated that a wombat will also use its butt to crush the skull of an unrelenting predator. The wombat simply flattens itself down allowing the head of the attacker to enter the entrance of the hole. Then the wombat rises up using it’s butt to crush the skull against the roof of the burrow.
A nocturnal lifestyle
Wombats are primarily nocturnal, venturing out of their burrows at night to forage for food. Their diet mainly consists of grasses, roots, bark, and other vegetation. During the day, they remain hidden in their burrows to avoid the heat and potential predators.
Despite their seemingly laid-back demeanour, wombats are surprisingly fast when needed. They can reach speeds of up to 40 kilometres per hour for short bursts—making them agile escape artists.
Wombats are generally solitary but can form a colony called a wisdom or a mob.
Are wombats endangered?
Wombats hold a special place in Australian culture, celebrated for their endearing appearance and sturdy resilience. However, human activities such as land clearing and road construction have had a negative impact on their populations. The Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat is particularly vulnerable, with fewer than 300 individuals remaining in the wild they are listed as critically endangered.
Fortunately, the Southern Hairy-Nosed Wombat who was listed as near threatened in 2014 has been reassessed as Least Concern as their population has been steadily increasing.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect wombats and their habitats. Organizations and wildlife sanctuaries play a vital role in ensuring their survival, while education campaigns help raise awareness about these unique animals.
The Bare-Nosed or Common Wombat’s population has remained steady with them being listed as Least Concern. But encroaching development into their habit and increased road building could see their numbers decline.
Why wombats matter
Wombats are more than just charming animals—they are integral to Australia’s ecosystem. Their burrowing behaviour aerates the soil, promotes plant growth, and provides shelter for other species. By understanding and protecting wombats, we contribute to the health and balance of the environments they inhabit.
Where can I see wombats?
Victoria: Wilsons Promontory National Park is a fantastic place to spot wombats, especially in grassy clearings at dusk. The Healesville Sanctuary is another great place to see wombats as well as other Australian wildlife.
New South Wales: Kangaroo Valley is a popular destination for wombat sightings, as they are active in the evenings.
Queensland: Epping Forest National Park is home to the critically endangered Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat, though access is restricted to protect them.
Tasmania: Maria Island National Park offers abundant opportunities to see wombats, often grazing during the day.
South Australia: Flinders Ranges National Park is a great spot for the Southern Hairy-Nosed Wombat.
Western Australia: Although wombats are rarer here, wildlife parks like Caversham Wildlife Park provide opportunities to see them up close.
Northern Territory: Wombats are not commonly found in the wild, but parks such as the Alice Springs Desert Park may occasionally showcase them.
Australian Capital Territory: The National Zoo and Aquarium offers a chance to see wombats and learn about their habitats.
Wonderful wombats
Wombats are extraordinary creatures that embody the rugged beauty and resilience of the Australian landscape. From their remarkable burrowing abilities to their ecological importance, they serve as a reminder of nature’s ingenuity and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
Next time you see a wombat—or hear about one—remember that there’s much more to these marsupials than meets the eye. Let’s celebrate and protect these underground architects for generations to come.
Have you read these other great blog posts about Australian animals?
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