Southern Hairy-nosed Wombats are herbivorous Australian animals that live in Semi-arid grass plains and feed on native grasses. By sleeping through the day, wombats are able to conserve a lot of energy and water; and can go without drinking for long periods of time. Although the wombat may appear slow, it can reach speeds of up to 40kph over short distances.

The Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat is similar in size to the Common Wombat (Vombatus ursinus) but has softer grey fur, longer ears and a much broader nose. The thick skin that covers their rump protects the wombat from any predators that may follow it down its burrow.

Wombat breeding occurs throughout the second half of the year with one young being born after a 30 day gestation period. The joey will attach itself to a teat in its mother’s rear-opening pouch where it will stay until it is about 6 months of age. Once the joey emerges from the pouch it will hug to its mother’s heels until weaned at 12 months old. To see more videos on wombats, just register and click on the Australian wildlife conservation wombat video map icon to the right of this article.