Common Wombat

Description:

Vombatus – Aboriginal name used for these animals in the Port Jackson area. ursinus – ‘bear-like’ referring to the very short tail and compact body. Also known as Naked-nosed Wombat, Island Wombat, Coarse-haired Wombat, Tasmanian Wombat, Forest Wombat. Size: Head & Body 90 – 115 cm Tail 2 – 3 cm Weight 22 - 39 (26) kg Wombats are large, solid, burrowing animals with short legs, powerful spade-like claws, a stub tail and coarse fur. They have a large broad skull, and rootless teeth that continually grow. Tasmanian Wombats are generally smaller. A solitary animal, they are often territorial and aggressive. During the day, the Common Wombat spends its day sleeping inside a long and often complex underground burrow. These provide protection from predators and bushfires, as well as enabling it to shelter from extreme heat or cold. Wombats are herbivorous. They emerge at night to feed on coarse native grasses, sedges, rushes, succulent plant roots and pasture grasses. Producing around 100 scats per night, its home range is well marked. Common wombats become sexually mature between the age of 2-3 years. Mating occurs throughout the year, peaking in spring, with most births in the winter months. Gestation is 33 days. The female has two teats in a large, backward opening pouch, but rarely rears more than one young. The young will remain in the pouch for 8-9 months, then accompanying its mother at foot until weaned at 12 months. The Common Wombat has been known to live to 20 years in captivity.

Habitat:

Occurring in alpine areas, heathland, woodland, coastal and wet and dry sclerophyll. The Common Wombat can be found along the east coast of Australia, ranging from southern Queensland to Tasmania (a small number are found in south-eastern South Australia).

Notes:

Unlike the Hairy-nosed Wombats’, this species is fairly widespread and common. Unfortunately too many lose their lives when crossing roads.