WombatsWombats

Fast FactsFast Facts Large, pudgy marsupialLarge, pudgy marsupial Size: 28 to 47 in Size: 28 to 47 in Weight: 32 to 80 lbs Weight: 32 to 80 lbs A group is called a mob or colonyA group is called a mob or colony

DistributionDistribution

They are found in forested, mountainous, and heathland areasThey are found in forested, mountainous, and heathland areas

ReproductionReproduction

Dig burrows with front Dig burrows with front teeth and claws. teeth and claws.

Have a backwards pouch Have a backwards pouch that does not gather dirt that does not gather dirt over its youngover its young

Give birth to a single Give birth to a single young after 20-22 daysyoung after 20-22 days

The young leave the The young leave the pouch after about 6–7 pouch after about 6–7 months. Weaned after 15 months. Weaned after 15 months, and are sexually months, and are sexually mature at 18 monthsmature at 18 months

Nocturnal and feed on grasses, Nocturnal and feed on grasses, roots, and bark..roots, and bark..

Wombats have an slow Wombats have an slow metabolism, taking around 14 days metabolism, taking around 14 days to complete digestionto complete digestion

When threatened they can reach When threatened they can reach up to 25 mph up to 25 mph The wombat's primary defense is The wombat's primary defense is its toughened rear hide with most its toughened rear hide with most of the posterior made of cartilage. of the posterior made of cartilage. When attacked, wombats dive into When attacked, wombats dive into a nearby tunnel, using their rump a nearby tunnel, using their rump

to block a pursuing attacker.to block a pursuing attacker.

ConservationConservation

The field and pasture damage caused by wombat The field and pasture damage caused by wombat burrowing can be a destructive nuisance to burrowing can be a destructive nuisance to ranchers and farmers. ranchers and farmers.

Wombats have been hunted for this behavior, as Wombats have been hunted for this behavior, as well as for their fur and simply for sport. well as for their fur and simply for sport.

Some species (the northern hairy-nosed wombats) Some species (the northern hairy-nosed wombats) are now critically endangered, while others (the are now critically endangered, while others (the common or coarse-haired wombat) are still hunted common or coarse-haired wombat) are still hunted as vermin. as vermin.

http://www.http://www.youtubeyoutube.com/watch?v=jpl82THnngE.com/watch?v=jpl82THnngE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnJUWwSx1kE&feature=relatedv=BnJUWwSx1kE&feature=related