WE HAVE AN EWOK LIVING IN #SOWL’S WOODLANDS
Well maybe not quite an Ewok but close enough.
Historically wombats were often found in our area but as agriculture expanded it was thought that they had died out — BUT excitement…
We spotted a wombat in Fig Tree Reserve, only one sighting but we have also found two burrows so we look forward to more evidence of their presence.
This is a testament to the hard work of our volunteers and thanks to YOUR financial support.
We have the common wombat in this area, but as we’ve learned with other species with “common” in their name, it doesn’t mean that they can’t quickly become at risk.
There are two other wombat species, the northern hairy-nosed wombat which is critically endangered and the southern hairy-nosed wombat which is also listed as endangered.
The wombat is closely related to the koala and is equally cute.
It is more active than the koala and although some believe they can make wonderful pets – that is not the case as they grow bigger and become a minor bulldozer.
And please…
Remember that it is illegal to keep any Australian native animal as a pet unless you have a license, so if you find an injured wombat or a baby take it to a licensed carer.
YOU can help us preserve, and enhance our Fig Tree Reserve and to further expand the habitat under our care and protection – habit that is critical to so many species. Please consider donating today.
Again, PLEASE note the name of this wombat does not mean that it does not need protection. “Common” in its name doesn’t mean that it is immune to the dangers of diminishing habitat and climate change.
The sturdy wombat is built a bit like a pig but close to the ground, it can weigh up to 40 kg and has massive front paws which it uses for digging.
Common wombats are widespread in the cooler and better-watered parts of southern and eastern Australia, including in mountain districts as far north as southern Queensland. They may be found in a variety of habitats including eucalyptus forest, woodland, alpine grassland, and coastal areas.
Most wombats are solitary, with each wombat having an established range in which it lives and feeds. They dig several tunnel systems, with many entrances.
Other animals make use of wombat burrows, especially during bushfires, including reptiles, rodents, rabbits, echidnas, wallabies, birds and koalas.
Wombats are usually fairly tolerant of non-threatening species, and many wombats can live in the same burrow.
Wombats are herbivorous subsisting on grass and other plant materials. Foraging is usually done during the night. They are the only marsupials in the world whose teeth constantly grow.
The common wombat can breed every two years and produce a single joey, which is born tiny, naked and blind after a short 20-30 day gestation.
The young remain in the pouch for five months, and when they leave the pouch, they weigh between 3.5 and 6.5kg.
The joey is weaned around 12 to 15 months of age, and is usually independent at 18 months of age. Wombats have an average lifespan of 15 years in the wild.
As stated earlier, the common wombat is not yet endangered but is threatened by urban and agricultural expansion, habitat reduction, road kills and sarcoptic mange.
Also as stated earlier, wombats have a bad reputation with farmers as they destroy fences with their burrowing but some clever graziers have invented a swing gate which is situated under their fences so the wombat can move through but livestock, especially sheep, are not able to crawl out.
We can only do what we do with your support. All gifts, no matter what size make a difference.
Please consider donating today.
Thank you for your continued support!
Save Our Woodlands is an environmentally conscious group of volunteers dedicated to preserving threatened birds, animals and ecosystems in the woodlands of New South Wales, Australia.
Only 15% of our woodlands remain, the rest has been cleared for agriculture.
Save Our Woodlands Inc. secures and protects woodlands in NSW and pays landholders, in perpetuity, to conserve, enhance and re-establish native woodlands on THEIR land, and to manage these woodlands, so they are maintained.
BUT we need YOUR help. Together we can bring about change. Please consider donating.
People tend to think that woodlands are “just bush,” consequently, over 85% of the native woodlands in New South Wales, Australia have been replaced by agriculture.
Donate $10 per month & help protect critical habitats. By doing so YOU will prevent further species from extinction.
Our work is only possible with your support.
