Which wombat is that?

Southern Hairy Nosed Wombat

Lasiorhinus latifrons

Status

Currently, the SHN is listed as a threatened species by the Department of Environment and Heritage.

Despite being listed as a threatened species, destruction permits are still allocated.

Distribution

The SHN wombats are almost confined to South Australia. There is one small colony just inside NSW near the SA border, the Murraylands/Riverland, Yorke and Eyre Peninsulas also have populations however the largest stretches from Ceduna along the Nullabor Plains and across the border into Western Australia.

Habitat

Hairy Nosed wombats live in arid to semi-arid environments where the average annual rainfall is between 200 - 500 mm. Their burrows are usually constructed under thick limestone shelves that are enriched with calcium.

The SHN Wombat lives in colonies and their burrow systems are obvious as there are always a multitude of entrances and little vegetation to conceal them.

General Information

The SHN wombat has soft silky fur, they are generally silver in colour but can come in a range of colours from almost black through to white.

The average weight is around 25kg but can range up to 35kg.

SHN wombats have long pointy ears, a wide flat nose covered in a fine fur.

The SHN has shorter legs than the BN wombat.

Although they live in colonies, the SHN is not very social. They have a tolerance for each other but do not rely on others for survival.

Vocal range of the SHN is limited to two different tones: one loud rasp to warn off intruders and a soft whisper used by mother and joey (very cute).

The SHN displays joy by lying on their backs and swinging their lower jaw to the side.

SHN wombats don't make their own beds, instead they enjoy the soft fine dirt in their sleeping chambers!  

SHN wombats seem to defecate anywhere including their burrows!

SHN wombats live in areas with little rainfall so they have evolved to conserve their need for water by spending as much time as needed inside their humid burrows. When the rain finally arrives they consume water in large quantities.

Bare Nosed Wombat

Vombatus ursinus

This species is also known as the Common Wombat. Like other organisations we believe this name should be changed to Bare Nosed Wombat.

Status

The status of the Bare Nosed wombat is severley underestimated. They are listed as common, are not protected in certain shires and like other wildlife organisations we will loby for this to be overturned. The status needs to be upgraded to vulnerable.

Distribution

The BN wombat has a larger range however they are not as concentrated as the SHN. They range from Giraween National Park inside the QLD border, down through NSW, ACT, Victoria, Tasmania and across into SA.

Habitat

Bare Nosed wombats inhabit an environment with a much higher rainfall compared to the hairy nosed wombats. They generally inhabit more mountainous terrain with forested and grassland areas.

Unlike the SHN, the BN's burrows are harder to identify as they are better concealed by vegetation. They prefer to dig their burrows under a tree or on a creek bank. 

General Information

The Bare nosed wombat has coarse thick fur ranging in colour from cream, tan, grey, brown to black.

The weight range is between 20-40kg.  

As their name suggests their noses are bare, they have short rounded ears and a shorter pointier nose.

The Bare Nosed wombat has longer legs and has the ability to swim and climb moreso than the SHN.  

Purely solitary the BN only comes together for brief interludes during mating.

Vocalisation of the BN is greater than that of the SHN from screeches to coughs and many in between.  

The BN also demonstrates glee with a smile.  

BN wombats will collect grasses and debri to make a lovley soft bed.

BN wombats are more methodic in their toileting habits by doing their business in designated areas and love pooping on top of rocks or logs.

The water intake requirement of the BN is much greater than the SHN.