Wombats are short-legged, muscular marsupials native to Australia. Wombats are medium sized marsupials that look like a cross between a pig, a bear and a gopher. Wombats are about as big as a medium-size dog, typically 30 inches (76 centimeters) long. Kids; A-Z; Wombats. Wombats are an iconic Australian animal but they are facing increasing threats including vehicle collisions, habitat loss and mange. Since settlement, these animals have been persecuted and killed in large numbers by farmers, considering burrows of wombats dangerous for livestock. However, threats are still present. Wombat is an animal that belongs to group of marsupials. Northern hairy-nosed wombat is the largest member of the wombat family. Wombats prefer wet and forested areas on the slopes, open grasslands and eucalyptus forests. Size. Threats Past declines were probably caused by competition for pasture from cattle and sheep, especially during drought. Hairy nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus) are pretty muscular and one of the rarest of the land mammals. The effects of drought and predation by dingoes may also have contributed to the species’ demise. This site is for teachers, students and members of the community. November 27, 2020 at 9:17 am ADOPT A WOMBAT. Northern Hairy-nosed Wombats … Hairy Nosed Wombat Facts for Kids. Like kangaroos, wombats spend most of their time grazing. Slow and clumsy at first glance, this animal, however, is capable of running as fast as 25 miles per hour for about 1.5 minutes. THREATS TO WOMBATS. They have been known to crush intruding animals against the hard walls and low ceilings of their burrows. The koala, or, inaccurately, koala bear (a common term outside of Australia, though koalas are marsupials, not bears), is an arboreal herbivorous marsupial native to Australia.It is the only extant representative of the family Phascolarctidae and its closest living relatives are the wombats.. Fun Facts for Kids. Like other marsupials, wombats are also found in Australia. It is hoped that through increased awareness people will take action to protect this animal and its environment. The word 'wombat' derives from the language of Darug people, aborigines of Sydney area (Australia). They are mainly nocturnal, emerging at night to feed on grasses, herbs, bark, and roots. Population threats. Previously, the main threat to the northern hairy-nosed wombat was food shortage due to overgrazing by livestock. Threats to the northern hairy-nosed wombat. ... Like all kids, they are having the best time exploring the world around them, learning to burrow and happily covering themselves in … The common wombat weighs 55 to 88 lbs. The northern hairy nosed wombat is a critically endangered species. All wombat species are divided in two groups: bare-nosed and hairy-nosed wombat. Some wombats are endangered species. Wombats have a tough rear end with extra-thick skin and a teeny-tiny tail, so a bite to the backside is not much of a threat. A wombat takes a break from the hot sun in its burrow. Common wombats are currently abundant and widespread throughout their range. It can be found in southeastern coastal regions of Australia and on the surrounding islands. It aims to educate people about the Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat and its threats.