Wombat Appeal

Dear Friends in Conservation,

Our last report touched on the sparsity of food for our beloved wombats.  As the days grow shorter and cooler in the Mallee, this should be the time for refreshing rain and the emergence of native grasses for the wombats to nibble, gaining precious weight to see them through the colder winter months.  With the season of Winter upon us, we are starting to see the vegetation change with the flowering of some unique local natives, but unfortunately, we are also seeing the emergence of many weeds.  The emergence of weeds is of great concern, as they are outcompeting the native grasses, coupled with an abundance of Western Grey and Red Kangaroos settling in Brookfield – who share the wombats taste for delicious native grass.

Previous reports highlighted our native grass trials within special exclosures at Brookfield.  These continue to be monitored by our volunteers thanks to the kind support of our GlobalGiving donors, like you.  These trials are providing much needed information on the best ways to improve native grass regeneration amid the changing climatic conditions. Volunteers have been gathering data in the area of how to best prepare sites to ensure the most successful propagation of the wombat’s favourite food, Austrostipa.  Program Co-ordinator Tricia Curtis stated “I have had visions of the local Brookfield wombats all hovering around the exclosures, eagerly waiting on the grass to germinate, thinking  all their birthdays had come at once!”

The health of the environment in the Brookfield region was recently high on the agenda, with the Mid Murray Local Action Planning Committee visiting the Park for discussions.  The discussions included the quality and amount of native food available and also included the management of feral animals including cats, foxes and goats – which all have a direct impact on the health of Southern Hairy-nosed Wombats, and their environment.   Even though conditions still present a challenge, we are pleased to say that we have had many sightings of healthy looking Wombats, enjoying the winter sunshine whilst resting on their warrens.  This confirms that at this stage, it appears the activities of our volunteers in removing weeds and keeping feral animals at bay are proving to be reasonably successful.

Volunteers have also reported their sightings of other iconic species including the reclusive Echidna, Emus, Goannas and a huge array of stunning birdlife within Brookfield Park, making nice additions to the area.  We thank you for continuing to support our vital conservation of the Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat, through your generosity to our Appeal.  These much needed funds have enabled many teams of volunteers to mobilise, completing the important on the ground activities – pulling weeds, collecting data, planting seeds and importantly, monitoring the wombat numbers and health. Sam a local volunteer stated "I am amazed at the project that is being undertaken here by volunteers – I never knew it would be such an enjoyable experience undertaking the surveys and collecting the data, and be so valuable to the survival of this beautiful creature.”   

To help Conservation Volunteers Australia continue to deliver this vital project for volunteers - just like Sam to experience - we ask that as a valued supporter, you consider giving once again to our Appeal on June 15 – a special GlobalGiving Bonus Day where an amazing 50% of your kind donation up to $1,000 will be matched.  So please consider our Wombats this winter and donate on June 15.  Please put a reminder in your phone or calendar today and share this story with your friends and work mates!

Thank you.

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