Species Fact Profile: Southern Hairy-Nosed Wombat (Lasiorhinus latifroms)

Southern Hairy-Nosed Wombat

Lasiorhinus latifroms (Owen, 1845)

Range: Southern Australia
Habitat: Arid and Semi-Arid Grasslands, Open Woodlands.  Primary habitat requirement is sturdy soil to support the burrows
Diet: Grasses, herbs, roots, shrubs, bark, and tubers
Social Grouping: Generally solitary, but will congregate in groups of up to 5-10 in shared tunnel complexes, though not all individuals may be present at the same time
Reproduction: Mating season is from September through December (affected by rainfall – do not breed during drought).   During the breeding season, males will form dominance hierarchies.  Females will emit a coughing sound and be pursued by males.  Mating occurs in the burrows. Single offspring , born after a gestation period of 21-30 days.  Joey is hairless at birth, weighs about 2 grams.  Remains in pouch for 8-9 months (begins to eat solid foods when it ventures outside).   Independent at two years old, sexually mature at three years old
Lifespan: 10-12 (Wild), up to 30 Years
Conservation Status: IUCN Least Concern

• Body length 100-120 centimeters.  Weight 19-32 kilograms .  Legs are short and powerful, with five digits on each foot, each equipped with flattened claws.  On the hind feet, the second and third toes are fused, forming a digit with two claws, which is used for grooming.  The large head is flattened with narrow, pointed ears.  The incisors are rodent-like and grow throughout the life of the animal. The very short (2-6 centimeter) tail is usually hidden in the fur.
• Fur color ranges from gray to tan, with some soft, white fur covering the nose, resulting in the common name for the animal.  Often has a somewhat reddish hue         
• The pouch of the female wombat opens backwards, instead of forward as in more marsupials, to prevent it from filling up with dirt as the animal digs
• Spend the days in the burrows where it is cooler, more humid, coming out to feed at night.  Allow their body temperature to drop while they are underground.  During the winter, may be more active during warmer parts of day, may bask in the sun for warmth
• Predation is not a significant cause of mortality for adults, though potential threats include dingoes and feral dogs.  The burrows are the main defense mechanism for wombats.  If a predator tries to grab a wombat while it is burrowing, the wombat will crunch the leg or nose of the predator against the roof of the burrow using a bony plate by its tail.  It may also defend itself with its claws or by kicking.  Capable of running up to 40 kilometers per hour
• Hunted occasionally for meat, even today (but not too often, as they were very labor-intensive prey).  Most aborigines hunted wombats in the territories of other tribes in order to try to protect their own local wombat populations
• Sometimes viewed as an agricultural pest, both for depredation on crops as well as for the risk that their burrows may pose to livestock, which could step into an entrance and break their legs.  Sometimes accused (falsely) of damaging fences.
• Major threat is mange, spread by a mite, which causes skin problems and eventual death.  Other threats include habitat loss, introduced predators and competitors, and collisions with cars
• State Animal of South Australia