South Australia is our dryest state in Australia so when a drought occurs, the results can be catastrophic.

The Southern Hairy Nosed Wombat already inhabits dry, arid to semi arid areas and rely heavily on what little rainfall there is to survive. When the effects of drought set in which is not only a lack of rainfall but just as devastating to the wombat populations, sporadic and unseasonal rainfall, a wombat colony can deplete by up to and over 50%. (Wells,1998)

In the early eighties, a drought occurred which delivered no significant rainfall within a November to June period, we are now witnessing the same pattern once again but not only do the Murraylands population have to contend with the effects of drought, they now have Sarcoptic Mange that has already claimed 80% of certain populations along the beautiful Murray River. (Ruykys,2005)

Despite the only real solution to this problem being obvious, there are things that you can do even if you don't share your life with wombats. Recycle! Conserve Water! Walk to work! and help in the fight against global warming as it effects every living thing including us, plants, wildlife and of course our beloved wombats!

If you do live within wombat habitat, there are things that you can do to alleviate the suffering. Place shallow concrete water dishes around your property and remember that wombats need food to survive! Set aside an area just for native animals and vegetation ... everyone will prosper!