| common wombat[1] | |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Infraclass: | Marsupialia |
| Order: | Diprotodontia |
| Family: | Vombatidae |
| Genus: | Vombatus É. Geoffroy, 1803 |
| Species: | V. ursinus |
| Binomial name | |
| Vombatus ursinus (Shaw, 1800) |
|
| Common Wombat range | |
The common wombat (Vombatus ursinus), also known as the coarse-haired wombat or bare-nosed wombat, is a marsupial, one of three species of wombats and the only one in the genus Vombatus. The common wombat grows to an average of 98 cm (39 in) long and a weight of 26 kg (57 lb).
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The common wombat was first described by George Shaw in 1800. There are three subspecies:
It is widespread in the cooler and better watered parts of southern and eastern Australia, including Tasmania, and in mountain districts as far north as the south of Queensland, but is declining in Western Victoria and South Australia.
Common wombats are sturdy and built close to the ground. When fully grown they can reach anywhere between 80 and 130cm, and between 17 and 40kg. The wombats found on Tasmania and Flinders Island are often smaller than their mainland counterparts. It is distinguished from both Hairy-nosed wombats by the fact that it has a bald nose.
Common wombats are a solitary, territorial species, with each wombat having an established range in which it lives and feeds. In this area, they dig a tunnel system, with tunnels ranging anywhere from 2 to 20 metres in length, along with many sidetunnels. There is usually only one entrance to the burrow, although they may create a smaller one to escape with. Often nocturnal, the common wombat does come out during the day in cooler weather, such as in early morning or late afternoon.[7]
Common wombats are herbivorous, subsisting off grass and other plant materials. Foraging is usually done during the night.[7]
The common wombat can breed every two years and produce a single joey. The gestation period is about 20-30 days, and the young remain in the pouch for 5 months. When born, they weigh between 3.5 and 6.5 kg (7.7 and 14 lb). The joey is weaned at around 12 to 15 months of age and is usually independent at 18 months of age.[7].