wombats

Wombats are sturdy, herbivorous marsupials native to Australia, belonging to the family Vombatidae. There are three living species: the common wombat (Vombatus ursinus), the southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons), and the northern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus kreffti).

They typically measure about 70 to 120 cm in length and weigh 20 to 40 kg. They have a stocky body, short legs, and strong digging claws, with fur ranging from brown to grey. A backward-facing pouch protects the young and helps keep dirt out when the animal digs. They also produce cube-shaped feces, a distinctive feature related to their intestinal structure.

Wombats are mostly nocturnal or crepuscular and largely solitary, residing in extensive burrow networks. They feed on grasses and other vegetation, including roots and bark. Breeding can occur at various times depending on region; gestation is about 20 days. The joey crawls into the mother's backward-facing pouch and attaches to a teat, remaining there for about 6 to 7 months before weaning. After leaving the pouch, the young may ride on the mother’s back for a short period.

Conservation status varies by species. The common wombat is listed as Least Concern, the southern hairy-nosed wombat as Vulnerable, and the northern hairy-nosed wombat as Critically Endangered. Threats include habitat loss, drought, predation by foxes and dogs, vehicle collisions, and bushfires. Protection programs focus on habitat management, population monitoring, and targeted conservation measures, particularly for the more at-risk northern hairy-nosed wombat.