Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat

Lasiorhinus krefftii

Australia's Threatened Species Category

Critically Endangered

Listed since: 15/02/2018

IUCN's Threatened Species Category

Critically Endangered

Listed since: 15/06/2015

Population trend: Stable

Other names: Yaminon

Priority Species? Yes

The Australian government's Threatened Species Action Plan 2022-2032 selected over 100 priority species derive from consultation with threatened species experts and the wider community. While all species are important, focusing on a limited number of species can help target effort and resources so that outcomes can be achieved, measured and shared.

Description

The Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat is a heavily built, ground dwelling, herbivorous marsupial that has strong claws for digging burrows. The Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat occurs only at 2 locations within Queensland, with a recent translocation to a 3rd location. These sites are protected by a predator proof fences and are within the species' historic range. They build extensive warren systems where they shelter during the day and come out at night to feed on native grasses.

Threats

Predation by dingos and wild dogs have been a past threat which is why the species are known protected with predator proof fencing. They also face the threat of competition for food from introduced herbivores as well as the loss of native grasses due to the introduction of other grasses such as Buffel grass with outcompetes native grasses.