They’re arguably one of Australia’s cuddliest looking critters, but wombats are more than just a cute face. In fact, these furry marsupials are quite the poster child for ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’.
To celebrate International Wombat Day, here are six fun facts about wombats.
Unfortunately for wombats it’s not all eating grass and weaponising their rear-ends. The northern hairy-nosed wombat is listed as critically endangered nationally and extinct in NSW. In 2021, there was estimated to be only 315 individuals remaining.
Australia has a terrible record of bulldozing the bush. This affects all three sub-species of wombat who need a safe habitat in which to live, feed and raise their young. As we build more suburbs, facilities and poorly placed roads into their habitat, wombats are increasingly falling victim to car strikes. On top of these challenges, wombats must compete for resources with introduced animals such as rabbits, and some populations have been decimated by infestations of a deadly mange mite.
We can’t imagine a world without these unique, beautiful and feisty creatures.
Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek loves a cute and cuddly photo op with a wombat, it’s time her government delivers on strong nature laws that actually protect this Aussie icon and its home from being destroyed.