Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.

Scientific name: Lasiorhinus latifrons

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Gazetted date: 08 Aug 1997

Profile last updated: 01 Dec 2017

Description

A large, stout animal with grey or tan fur, pointed ears, powerful limbs and a square, furred muzzle.

Distribution

Distribution has become fragmented and contracted in the last 200 years. Once regarded as common in south-western NSW but the current size of this population is unknown.

Habitat and ecology

Diet almost entirely restricted to grasses.
Habitat is semi-arid grasslands and open woodlands. Wombats are able to obtain their water requirements from food, rain or dew.
Requires a minimum of two or three consecutive years of good rainfall for young to be produced and weaned.
Warrens, used by 5 to 10 individuals, are confined to soils with sufficient structural strength. The burrows provide a humid resting place during the day. Forages close to the warren.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

Threats

The small population size, isolation, and proximity to agricultural areas and roads makes this species vulnerable to rapid local declines.
Grazing by rabbits and domestic stock reduces food. Pasture composition is critical to recruitment, potentially causing high infant mortality if degraded.

Recovery strategies

A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.

Activities to assist this species

Community education and survey.
Reduce stock intensity near warrens to allow regeneration of vegetation.
Identify, monitor and appropriately manage all populations.
Prevent clearing of habitat.

Information sources

Ayers, D., Nash, S. and Baggett, K. (1996) Threatened Species of Western New South Wales. (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Sydney)
NSW Scientific Committee (1997) Southern hairy-nosed wombat - Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
Strahan, R. (ed.) (1995) The Mammals of Australia. (Australian Museum and Reed Books, Sydney)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Darling Riverine Plains	Great Darling Anabranch	Known	None
Murray Darling Depression	South Olary Plain	Known	None
Other State	SA	Known	None
Riverina	Murray Scroll Belt	Predicted	None