Northern
Hairy-Nosed Wombat, photo taken in late 2005
..
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 138 individuals left in the wild, this number was determined
from the 2007 Hair Census. The results from the 2010 are currently
being analysed.
Up until quite recently, 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.
During
2009 and 2010 selected individuals were translocated from Epping
Forest to the Richard Underwood Nature Reserve near St George
in southern Queensland. A total of 15 wombats were moved, unfortunately
there were some losses and now 12 wombats thankfully appear to
be doing quite well at the reserve. In recent months video footage
has shown that there are two pouch young in the colony.
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 and Dave Harper of Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service,
lead teams that are implementing the recovery plan for the Northern
Hairy-Nosed Wombat. Projects accomplished by the team are:
•
the
erection of a dingo and dog proof fence at Epping Forest
(costing around $400,000).
..
•
The
installation of a 9 kilometre water pipeline with 15 automatic
water points at Epping Forest.
•
the
erection of a predator proof fence at the Richard Underwood
Nature Reserve.
•
Man
made wombat burrows at Richard Underwood Nature Reserve to
provide shelter for the translocated wombats as they establish
their own.
Alan,
Dave and their teams 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.
