Northern
Hairy-Nosed Wombat, photo taken in late 2005
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Dr
Alan Horsup (front left) with some of his colleagues
..
Alan
and a Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat
Alan
Horsup and Tim Portas (veterinarian at Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo, NSW) checking
out a trapped and anaesthetised Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat
.
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PDF
file - 198kb
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PDF
file - 197kb
Linda in the Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat t-shirt and
cap
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The
Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat is critically endangered. In fact, there
are only 115 individuals left in the wild; 63 males and 52 females. All of these
animals reside in one location, a tiny scientific national park called Epping
Forest National Park, in central Queensland. Of the 3160 hectares in the forest,
only 500 are suitable for the wombats to live in, as most of the parks soils are
heavy clays which are not suitable for creating burrows.
Evidence
indicates that the Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat was uncommon before its rapid decline
over the last 200 years. Competition for food
from introduced grazing animals and predation from dingoes seem to be the main
causes for their decline.
Dr
Alan Horsup of Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, leads a team that is implementing
the recovery plan for the Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat. Two recent projects accomplished
by the team are:
•
the
erection of a dingo and dog proof fence in 2002 (costing around $400,000).
..
•
The
installation of a 9 kilometre water pipeline with 15 automatic water points in
2005.
Alan
and his team are working hard to save the Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat. Their dedication
and commitment to this project is paying off, for in the early 1980's there were
only about 30 individuals.
However,
continued improvement and survival of this species also relies on the generosity
and support of the public.
How
can you help? One great way to show your support and provide much needed funds
is to buy a Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat t-shirt, collared shirt or cap, like those
shown in the photo at left. Click
here to download an order form (PDF file, 236kb) and dig deep into your
pockets. Volunteers are also needed for the project. Email Alan
Horsup for more information.
A
recovery plan has been implemented to save the Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat with
5, 10 and 50 year objectives.
The
overall goal of the plan, which was published in 2004, is to achieve a total population
of a minimum of 150 Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombats in two wild populations and at
least one captive population by 2007. The hope for 150 individuals in the wild
may not be achieved by 2007, however the captive population program is well underway.
In 10 years the team aim to have the population increased to 200 individuals.
The 50 year objective is to establish viable metapopulations of the wombat throughout
their historic range, such that the risk of extinction is less than 1% over 100
years.
Please
help Alan and his team to save this species - there are only 90 individuals alive
- your help is needed so that this very special species is not lost forever.
Many
thanks to Alan Horsup for supplying photographs and information for this page.
