Northern hairy-nosed wombat Definition | Characteristics & Facts

The Northern hairy-nosed wombat, also known as Lasiorhinus Graffiti, is one of the three species of wombats. It is a marsupial native to Australia and is critically endangered, with only a small population remaining in the wild. The Northern hairy-nosed wombat is characterized by its stout, barrel-shaped body, strong limbs, and distinctive hairy nose.

Size and Appearance

Adult males can weigh up to 32 to 40 kg (70 to 88 lbs), and females are slightly smaller, weighing around 26 to 32 kg (57 to 70 lbs). They have a stout, bear-like body with strong legs and a large head. The distinguishing feature is their prominent hairy nose.

Habitat

They are found in specific regions of eastern Australia, mainly in Queensland. Their habitat consists of grasslands and woodlands with sandy soils, which are suitable for their burrowing behavior.

Behavior

Northern hairy-nosed wombats are primarily nocturnal, spending their days inside burrows and emerging at night to forage for food. They are solitary animals and are generally not very aggressive. They are known for their exceptional digging skills and can create extensive burrow systems.

Diet

The primary diet of Northern hairy-nosed wombats consists of various grasses, roots, and other vegetation. They are herbivores and primarily feed during the night.

Endangered Status

The main threats to their survival include habitat loss due to agriculture, predation by introduced predators, and disease.

Conservation Efforts

Conservation efforts are underway to protect the remaining population of Northern hairy-nosed wombats. This includes habitat preservation, monitoring, and breeding programs to boost their numbers in the wild.

Reproduction

Northern hairy-nosed wombats have a slow reproductive rate. Females give birth to a single joey after a gestation period of around 20 to 22 days. The joey then stays in the mother’s pouch for about six to seven months before emerging and becoming more independent.

Social Structure

They are solitary animals and typically avoid each other’s company, except during the breeding season.

Vocalization

Wombats are generally quiet animals, but they can make growling, hissing, and barking sounds to communicate with each other.

Due to their critical status, conservationists are working diligently to protect this unique species and ensure its survival for future generations.

Read our Animals Encyclopedia with Complete Facts

1. Size: The Northern hairy-nosed wombat is the largest of all wombat species. Adult males can measure up to 1.15 to 1.4 meters (3.8 to 4.6 feet) in length, including their head and body. The tail length is about 25 to 36 centimeters (10 to 14 inches).
2. Weight: Adult males can weigh between 32 to 40 kilograms (70 to 88 pounds), while females are slightly smaller, weighing around 26 to 32 kilograms (57 to 70 pounds).
3. Body Shape: They have a robust and bear-like body with powerful legs. Their front legs are equipped with strong claws, which are used for digging burrows.
4. Fur: The Northern hairy-nosed wombat has long and coarse fur, which is gray-brown in color. They have longer and thicker fur compared to other wombat species, especially around their nose, giving them their distinctive hairy appearance.
5. Ears and Eyes: They have small, round ears and small, dark eyes.
6. Nose: The most prominent feature of the Northern hairy-nosed wombat is its large and hairy nose, from which it gets its name. The nose is covered with whiskers and plays a role in their excellent sense of smell.
7. Teeth: Like all wombats, they have strong and chisel-like teeth that are adapted for gnawing and eating tough vegetation.
8. Gait: Wombats have a unique form of locomotion known as “quadra medial” walking. They move by placing both front and back feet on the ground on the same side simultaneously, which allows them to move with a characteristic waddle.
9. Pouch: Female Northern hairy-nosed wombats have a backward-facing pouch. After giving birth, the pouch is used to protect and carry the tiny joey until it becomes more developed.

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Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Mammalia

Infraclass: Marsupialia

Order: Diprotodontia

Family: Vombatidae

Genus: Lasiorhinus

Species: Lasiorhinus kreffti

• Epping Forest National Park, Queensland, Australia
• Richard Underwood Nature Refuge, Queensland, Australia

The Northern hairy-nosed wombat mainly eats grasses and various types of vegetation. Their diet includes:

• Grasses
• Forbs
• Roots
• Bark
• Herbs
• Leaves