The Northern Hairy-nosed Wombats by Shaina Kim
The Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat
*image sources can be found at end of post
Description and Ecology
The largest of the three wombat species is the Lasiorhinus krefftiii, more commonly referred to as the Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat (NHW). These Australian natives live for about 26 years and are known to grow up to 1-meter long. They can be distinguished from the common wombat by their soft fur, pointier ears and slightly larger size.Nearly 90% of their diet revolves around grass consumption and they reside in burrows close to roots of trees that foster soft soil and shade. The Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat is generally known to be nocturnal, reserving six hours per night to come above ground to feed on grass. As they are accustomed to drier climates, the amount of time above ground to feast decreases to two hours per night during wet seasons. Though falling to drastic numbers in the past, the current population of NHW has grown to nearly 240 Northern Hairy-nosed Wombats.
Geographic and Population Changes
As with all species of wombats, the Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat are native to Australia. It is believed that before the English has settled, the Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat had extended across New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. Since then, the known locations have tragically narrowed to a single area in Epping Forest National Park in Queensland where their habitat is carefully monitored. At one point during the early 1980s, the number of Northern Hairy-nosed Wombats fell to a drastic 35 individuals. Below depicts a comparison of the NHW with its fellow wombat families: the Southern Hairy-nosed Wombats and the Common Wombat.
Listing Date and Type of Listing
The Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat has been established as endangered since 1982. Over the years, it has experienced a slight fluctuation in terms of population in due part to the exclusion of cattle in its range and the protection from dingoes. As of 1996, the Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat has been listed as a critically endangered species.Cause of Listing and Threats
Overgrazing by cattle and sheep aforementioned, as well as drought have been the primary causes for the rapid decline of Northern Hairy-nosed Wombats over the past 200 years. Predation by dingoes had also caused the death of an estimated 25 Northern Hairy-nosed Wombats forcing a 20-km fence to be built that now surrounds the sole existing location. This fence thus is imperative to protect the remaining number of NHW individuals.
Recovery Plan
As of 2004, a recovery plan had been established in hopes to improve the current state of endangerment of the Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat. This is mainly targeted towards preserving the remaining number of NHWs and carefully preserving the deteriorating state of the habitat they currently reside in. These actions are laid out by the Environmental Protection Agency Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service through:1 Controlling threats and managing habitat(s)
2 Facilitating community involvement and education
3 Accurately monitoring wombats
4 Finalizing the selection of a translocation site
5 Preparing and managing translocation site
6 Translocating Northern Hairy-nosed Wombats
7 Developing captive techniques on other wombat species
8 Establishing Northern Hairy-nosed Wombats in captivity
9 Increasing the understanding of wombat biology and ecology
10 Managing the recovery team
The general objective of this recovery plan from is to reach 150 Northern Hairy-nosed Wombats in two separate wild populations and one in a captive population.
Help Out!
You can also help preserve and improve the current state of NHW endangered by building awareness and funding more field research. One step towards initiating action for preservation can be a click away at http://www.wombatfoundation.com.au/
Other Resources
More information about the Northern Hairy-nosed Wombats can be found at https://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/wildlife/threatened-species/endangered/northern_hairynosed_wombat/images/northern-hairy-nosed-wombat-recovery-project-factsheet.pdfand http://www.wombatfoundation.com.au/wombats.html
References
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/recovery-plans/recovery-plan-northern-hairy-nosed-wombat-lasiorhinus-krefftii-2004-2008http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/summary/11343/0
https://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/wildlife/threatened-species/endangered/northern_hairynosed_wombat/
I did not know this animal existed! I think it is amazing that it can live up to 26 years. Also, how cool that there is a children's book written about the animal! It is interesting that the animals can only stay in one area, because when a animal is bounded to a certain area, I feel that they are more likely to fall victim outside problems. So when like you said they are having problems with invasive plants, cattle overgrazing, and such. Are they being over predated by dingo because the dingo are overpopulated, if so do you know why?
ReplyDeleteThese are such funny looking animals! That is crazy how long they can live. I'd heard about wombats before but didn't know how large they are. It's rough that they aren't adapted to live in any slightly different regions, it really constricts them / makes it hard to ensure their long-term survival and return to original number! Hopefully the recovery plan continues to help.. awesome post!
ReplyDeleteI also did nit know these animals existed! These animals are so cute it makes me sad that there are so few left and in such a small area. A children's book is a great way to raise awareness about protecting animals and I think more people should us this method as a way to help animals.
ReplyDelete-Michelle Henderson
I love your idea of a children's book to raise awareness! Especially on such a cute and not as known animal. The book can help not only children, but adults as well to raise awareness of protecting the species. -Rachel Kenison
ReplyDeletecows
ReplyDelete