Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat

The northern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus krefftii) is one of the world’s rarest marsupials, with fewer than 350 individuals remaining in the wild. Found only in Queensland, Australia, its recovery depends on intensive protection, habitat restoration, and population expansion programs.

Key Projects Protecting the Hairy-Nosed Wombat

1. Epping Forest National Park (Scientific) Recovery Program

  • The main stronghold for the species, managed by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS).
  • The park is fenced and predator-proof, protecting wombats from dingoes and feral animals.
  • Conservation teams conduct population monitoring, burrow mapping, and habitat management to maintain suitable grasslands.
  • Supplementary feeding and water stations are used during droughts to ensure survival.

2. Richard Underwood Nature Refuge (St. George, Queensland)

  • Established in 2009 as a second population site, reducing extinction risk from local disasters.
  • Wombats were translocated from Epping Forest to this refuge, where they have successfully bred.
  • The site is managed through a partnership between QPWS, private landholders, and the Wombat Foundation.

3. The Wombat Foundation Conservation Projects

  • Australia’s only NGO dedicated solely to saving the northern hairy-nosed wombat.
  • Supports research on genetics, health, and reproduction, as well as community awareness and funding for fieldwork.
  • Works closely with government agencies to expand habitat and plan for future reintroduction sites.

4. Habitat Expansion and Genetic Research

  • Ongoing studies aim to identify new suitable habitats and maintain genetic diversity within the small population.
  • Research includes non-invasive DNA sampling and ecological modeling to guide future translocations.

Supporting Partners

  • Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS)
  • The Wombat Foundation
  • Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
  • Local landowners and conservation volunteers

The Broader Mission
The survival of the northern hairy-nosed wombat relies on a network of projects led by QPWS and The Wombat Foundation, focusing on predator-proof protection, habitat restoration, and population expansion. These efforts have doubled the species’ numbers in recent decades and continue to build a safer future for this critically endangered marsupial.