Southern Hairy-nosed Wombats in the Murraylands

Abstract

This report describes the history, spatial distribution and abundance of the Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat in the Murraylands, and social aspects surrounding ongoing management and conservation of the species. The tasks were to undertake a survey of the Murrayland’s population of the Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat, to determine approximate distribution, population movement and area of occupancy. This information is vital for the management of, and the impacts caused by, the species. The last survey was undertaken in 1989. Since then anecdotal reports suggest that the species in some areas is increasing, while in others, is dramatically declining. Population movements have been recorded in the north, south and west; and in some areas, have resulted in increased and more severe conflict with other land uses.