WOMBAT
The
endangered Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat remains in one isolated
population in Epping Forest National Park in central coastal Queensland.
Their habitat is flat, sandy, semi-arid grassland and eucalypt and acacia
woodland with patches of closed scrub and a ground cover of native grasses.
Wombats are heavy with a sturdy body and short powerful limbs with broad
paws for burrowing. Wombats are the largest animals to construct burrows,
they can excavate up to 2m a tunnel at night. They are of bear-like
appearance with a vestigial tail and broad head. Their teeth have no roots,
they keep growing and are continually worn down by eating.Their pouch faces
backwards so young don't get a face full of dirt when the mother is digging.
They live in colonies and occupy individual, single entrance burrows.
Animals spend the day in a burrow, emerging at night to feed. Although
Wombats appear to be quiet slow they can run as fast as 40km per hour when
disturbed. Reasons for their decline, they are in competition for food and
burrowing areas with introduced grazing animals such as cattle, sheep and
rabbits. Also with farmers and graziers.
The 'Australiana Collection' wildlife design
portrays the beauty of the powerful & solitary wombat that lives in Australia.
Australiana Collection |
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