The Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat inhabits semi-arid to arid environments almost exclusively in South Australia. They live in some of the driest areas, in the driest state in the driest country in the world. Subsequently, they are sensitive to climate change and any extreme weather patterns. Drought has a catastrophic effect on wombat populations. Overgrazing from stock, population fragmentation and restrictions on the wombats’ natural movement have greatly changed their natural environment and have added more pressure.
Researchers have predicted that the Southern Hairy-nosed wombat could become extinct within 50 years due to climate change alone.
Thousands of wombats succumb to starvation every year and as big as the problem is, we still try to help.
Every year, WAO has supported wombats on over 20 000 acres of land by providing food. We would love to expand and improve this by undertaking revegetation programs to help support the wombats long term.