Wombat

Viewing season: breeding and winter burrow emergence, all year round.

The wombat is the largest burrowing mammal. Indeed, it is such an accomplished burrower that early settlers called it a 'badger'. However, its closest relative is in fact the koala. With its short tail and legs, characteristic waddle and 'cuddly' appearance the wombat is one of the most endearing of Australia's native animals.

The common wombat was once found throughout south-eastern Australia but now, partly as a result of European settlement, it is restricted to more southerly regions. It occupies Tasmania, eastern New South Wales and eastern Victoria, with scattered populations in south-eastern South Australia and south-western Victoria.

There are three subspecies of common wombat - Vombatus ursinus hirsutus, which is found on the mainland, Vombatus ursinus tasmaniensis, which is found in Tasmania, and Vombatus ursinus ursinus, which was once found throughout the Bass Strait islands but is now restricted to Flinders Island.

Wombats are fairly large, solidly built animals with a squat, round, body, small ears and eyes, and a large naked nose. Their thick, coarse fur varies in colour from sandy brown to grey and black, and is sometimes flecked with fawn.

The Tasmanian wombat averages 85 centimetres (33.5 inches) in length and 20 kilogram (44 pounds) in weight, while the Flinders Island wombat is smaller at only 75 centimetre (29.5 inches) in length.

They have short legs, large paws and long, strong claws that are used in the excavation of burrows. The forepaws are used for digging, and after pushing the dirt to one side the wombat will back out, moving the loose dirt with both the front and back paws. Female wombats have a pouch that in their case opens backward to prevent dirt and debris entering while burrowing.

In Tasmania the wombat is widespread and found from sea level to alpine areas but prefers heathland, coastal scrub and open forest, where soils favour their burrowing habits.

Wombats are mostly nocturnal, usually coming out at night to graze when temperatures are lower. However, in cold periods they may sometimes be seen about during the day either grazing or basking in the sun. They graze for between three and eight hours a night.

The distinctive cube-shaped dung of the wombat is a useful indication of its comings and goings. Any new object within a home range is a prime target for marking with dung, particularly if it is elevated. The cube shape means the dung is less likely to roll off such objects.

The rump of the wombat is covered by a very tough, thick skin. If threatened, a wombat will dive into a nearby burrow or hollow log, using its rump as protection from the teeth and claws of its attacker.

Although the wombat may breed at any time of the year, mating most often occurs during winter. Sexual maturity is reached at two years of age and wombats live in excess of five years in the wild.

The diet of the wombat is composed entirely of plant material. Its main food is native grasses but shrubs, roots, sedges, bark and herbs are also eaten, while moss seems to be a particular delicacy.

You can see wombats in a number of our national parks - particularly Narawntapu National Park and Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park.

• Where to find them.