Wildlife Conservation Australia Project #15888

Wombat Appeal

by Conservation Volunteers Australia

Project Report | Jan 6, 2015
Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat Surveys Continue

By Tricia Curtis | Wild Futures Team

Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat

With a small amount of rain and some sunny weather, it is amazing how the landscape can respond with new growth on vegetation, plants flowering and wildlife on the move. Although we are still struggling to get a good supply of Austrostipa (native grass) for the Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat to feast on, we have had some excellent results in collecting its seed from surrounding areas. This is in anticipation of creating a seed orchard which will secure future seed source and increase this preferred food for the Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat across the Park.

Over 300 volunteer days have been spent on ground in the past few months. Volunteers have been removing heavily infested areas of weeds, clearing the way for our native plants to re-establish themselves. Adelaide volunteer Tom says, “It’s one of the satisfying parts of volunteering – knowing you are having a real impact on weeds and ultimately the survival of the wombat. I thought it would be hard going but to spend a day in this fantastic place – nothing could be further from the truth!”. Volunteers have also undertaken eight days of wombat warren surveys, adding to the crucial data collection that takes us that little bit closer to finding out what the population is in the region. Wildlife Researcher, Dr Mark Lethbridge has been collating this data and said we are very close to having enough information to start getting some results. “Just a few more surveys on wombat warrens and vegetation surveys around the warrens is all we need. Then we can start extrapolating information that will help guide us in the management of the Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat and improve its chances of survival in this region.”

As we move into 2015, we have set the dates for vegetation surveys and wombat warren surveys and eager for people to continue to support this critical program – there’s still much to do!

Thank you again for donating to the Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat appeal this year. Your contribution is directly supporting the management and survival of this unique and much loved animal. We look forward to keeping you up-to-date with our progress throughout 2015.

Volunteers Removing Weeds

Volunteer Tom

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Oct 9, 2014
Watching Wombat Warrens for a Wild Future

By Tricia Curtis | Wild Futures Team

Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat

We’ve had a busy few months at Brookfield Conservation Park with vegetation and wombat condition surveys being the key theme. These survey results are critical in helping us determine how to manage Brookfield Conservation Park and, in turn, the future of the Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat.

More than 20 volunteers have been getting up close and personal with nature by getting down on all fours identifying the weeds and the precious native grasses around the wombat warrens. Volunteers have also assisted with spotlighting at night and collecting data on the condition of this very cryptic animal. Volunteer Peter put it best: “I start to get excited a few days before the wombat projects - you never know what you will discover or even if you will see a wombat! They can be very elusive at times, although last week we saw seven in two days, very exciting”.

During the next quarter, we will have collected enough data to start using the results that will not only provide solid evidence in the management of the Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat, but will also enable us to promote these findings to support surrounding landholders. Neighbouring landholders regularly call us for advice on supporting the wombats they find on their properties so it is great to know that every donation goes a very long way helping to protect these wombats.

Of course, the work does not end there- we may be closer to understanding some of the issues relating to the health of the Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat but this is an on-going program that will ensure this unique mammal can survive the threats modern society presents.

A huge thank you to those that have supported our Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat project so far – your contribution will ensure that these important conservation efforts continue and that the Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat will have a Wild Future!

Vegetation Surveys

Survey of Wombat Warrens at Brookfield

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Jul 7, 2014
Help save the Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat

By Tricia Curtis | Wild Futures Team

Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat

Winter is well and truly here at Brookfield Conservation Park! We have had some super rainfalls and the Park is looking very green – not bad for a semi-arid location! This is good news for our Southern Hairy-nosed Wombats, as the rains will hopefully bring new growth of their favourite food – Austrostipa.

Vegetation Surveys are currently the priority at Brookfield. One of the best comments we had recently from a volunteer, Greg, summed up many people’s experiences at Brookfield: “This is marvellous – I feel like David Attenborough!” Greg knows that these priority surveys are assisted financially by the donors from Global Giving and he is most appreciative. As are mother and daughter team Tracy & Eloise who have also assisted with the vegetation surveys. Eloise is 16 years and said: “I didn’t realise I could help do such important things for the environment. I am still at school and thought only university people could do things like this. It’s awesome!”

Tracy was surprised how little she knew about the plight of the Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat in the Mallee: “I hadn’t realised what a precarious position the wombats were in. They are in such a vulnerable state up here.” She was amazed at how easy it was to help: “This is such an easy way to help – just a little bit of my time and we can make a huge difference by collecting this information, and it is so interesting!” Global Giving donors not only support the on-ground activities that help preserve the Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat and its habitat, but also help educate the community by spreading the word through these volunteers.

Whilst these priority surveys continue, plans are underway for vegetation exclosures. We have selected the sites and volunteers will be out in upcoming projects to collect seed for the exclosures. However, financial assistance is still needed to purchase the materials. The exclosures have to be secure enough to keep the other wildlife grazers out and large enough to support the research and the collection of future seed. This will provide a great seed source for future revegetation and concise data for future rehabilitation and management. Your support will help us with these next steps for the Park. Donations can be made in set amounts for materials or you can pledge your own amount and know that you are furthering the survival of this iconic species.

Thank you again for your generous support. It has provided much activity at the Park recently and has also provided the impetus for future project ideas, which will soon include the assistance of Dr Elisa Sparrow, well known wombat researcher across South Australia – stay tuned for the next update!

Volunteer Greg

Volunteer Tracey Conducting Vegetation Surveys

Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat in the Sunshine

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