14 Wonderful Wombat Facts About the Unique Marsupial

Welcome to the list of wombat facts, where we spotlight this unique marsupial. This creature enjoys such a deep connection with the earth that its digging has influenced the evolution of its anatomy. Moreover, wombat poop is a cube, and its pouch is facing backward. Read on to learn the reason for these impressive adaptations.

Want to know another interesting marsupial? Read about its fellow Australian marsupial in our koala facts!

Summary: Essential Wombat Facts

Wombat Common Questions and Answers

14 More Wombat Facts In Detail

1. There are three wombat species.

Three wombat species live on the edges of Australia and nearby islands: the common wombat, the northern hairy-nosed wombat, and the southern hairy-nosed wombat.

First, Common Wombats are heavy, weighing 44 to 77 pounds. They prefer Southern and Eastern Australia's rolling, brisk regions and some nearby islands. It is also called the bare-nosed wombat.

Next is the critically endangered Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat, which lives in Queensland's tiny Epping Forest National Park in Queensland. It weighs between 55 to 88 pounds.

Finally, weighing between 42 and 71 pounds, the threatened Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat is a survivor of the arid expanses of southern South Australia and Western Australia.

2. Wombats are burrowing masters.

These short-legged marsupials with powerful claws are among the animal kingdom's best engineers. They build intricate underground mazes between 10 and 100 feet long and 11.5 feet deep. These cool and damp burrows protect them from predators and harsh weather. Moreover, wombat burrows become a refuge for other wildlife during wildfires.

3. Wombats finish digesting food after 14 days.

These burrowing herbivorous mammals eat mainly roots, grasses, and bark, which are plentiful but not rich in nutrients. To help them maximize their food, wombats have evolved a digestive system that's unlike any other in the animal kingdom. 

Their metabolism moves at a snail's pace, taking up to two weeks to process food fully. Wombats squeeze every possible nutrient from their food by extending digestion, turning a low-quality diet into a sustainable energy source.

4. Wombats' teeth grow non-stop.

As obligate grazers, wombats have continuously growing incisors and molars¹. Their incisors and powerful jaws tear apart plant material into bite-sized pieces. Meanwhile, their broad, flat molars act like an industrial grinder, turning the plant material into a paste.

5. Wombats excrete cube-shaped poop.

Here's a surprising and unique wombat fact: They poop cubes! A study reveals that certain parts of their intestines are thicker and stiffer³.

These sections contract quickly, forming the cube's corners, while softer regions contract slower, which helps maintain the shape. This cube design helps wombats mark territories and attract mates without the risk of their droppings rolling away.

6. Wombats are solitary animals.

Wombats value their solitude above all else. Their meticulously crafted and painstakingly maintained burrows are their castles. When the sun sets, wombats cautiously venture out to forage.

While wombats are solitary, they are not antisocial animals. They are willing to share feeding grounds, paths, and, occasionally, even the comfort of a burrow, especially during the breeding season. 

7. Wombats defend themselves with their bottoms.

The wombat employs its rear end, specifically the end of its spine, to protect itself against predators seeking to invade its burrow. Rather than retreating deeper into its burrow, the quick-witted wombat uses its rump to block the entrance. Its skin is as thick as old boots, covering a series of vertebrae fused into a rigid plate, making it a barrier and fortress in one.

8. Wombats can run faster than humans.

Despite looking bulky and walking with a shuffling gait, wombats can run up to 40 km/h (25 mph). This impressive pace can certainly catch humans off guard.

Their short but muscular legs allow wombats to escape swiftly when necessary. Moreover, their legs stabilize them while running, enabling them to maintain momentum.

9. Wombats help make the soil fertile.

As wombats dig, they blend rich topsoil with less fertile subsoil, spreading nutrients across different soil layers and building a foundation for plant growth.

Moreover, their burrowing also lets fresh air seep into the soil areas where plant roots and tiny creatures live. This aeration enables roots to absorb more nutrients and water, resulting in flourishing plant life. Additionally, wombats' unique cube-shaped feces are extra natural fertilizers.

10. Wombats bite during mating.

During mating, wombats like to bite the bottoms of potential mates. Both male and female wombats do this. Researchers from sunny Queensland have found that the female Southern hairy-nosed wombat bites the males when they're most fertile.

The researchers speculate that this biting behavior might be how male and female Southern hairy-nosed wombats signal their readiness to mate². 

11. Baby wombats stay in their mother's backward pouch for six months.

Baby wombats, also known as joeys, are the size of a jellybean. They instinctively clamber into their mother's unique pouch and latch onto a teat for nourishment. Unlike other marsupials, their pouches are facing backward.

Over the next six months, the pouch transforms into a nurturing cocoon for the single baby wombat. Even though the joey begins to explore the world outside the pouch, it still returns regularly for the warmth and sustenance it provides. This dependence lasts for about a year.

12. Wombats live long lives.

Unlike many marsupial counterparts, wombats can live for up to 15 years in their natural habitat. Wild wombats' lifespan results from their slow metabolic rate, presence of predators, and food availability.

On the other hand, wombats in captivity can often live beyond 20 years. This controlled environment allows for consistent veterinary care, a reliable food supply, and the absence of natural threats. Notably, zoological parks and sanctuaries like the Epping Forest National Park are lifelong homes for these resilient marsupials, illuminating their life cycles.

13. Northern hairy-nosed wombats are critically endangered.

Unlike the common wombat, the Northern hairy-nosed wombat is among the world's most endangered large mammals. Habitat loss, food competition, and predation have reduced their numbers drastically. Fortunately, the Australian government has prioritized these wombats in its conservation efforts. 

They have established protected areas and started captive breeding programs, providing hope for the future of these wombats. However, climate change, their nocturnal behavior, and other challenges pose significant obstacles to their conservation. 

14. Australians celebrate Wombat Day.

On October 22, Australia celebrates Wombat Day, a tradition that began in 2005 with the efforts of dedicated wombat enthusiasts. It has become a nationwide event that draws participants from all over the country.

Wombat Day is a day of action, learning, and community. Educators in classrooms across Australia spark curiosity about wombats and instill respect for them and their environments. Art competitions allow individuals of all ages to express their admiration for wombats through creative works.

Furthermore, fans who buy wombat-themed merchandise also support essential conservation efforts. Proceeds from sales directly aid in protecting wombat habitats and rescuing and caring for injured or orphaned wombats. Additionally, some wildlife parks and zoos offer unique encounters with wombats, giving visitors a rare glimpse into the animals' world.

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Related: To further explore the animal kingdom, check out some of the other animals that start with W.