Three new female residents for endangered wombat colony near St George
Three female northern hairy-nosed wombats have started new lives near St George in southern Queensland.
(Media-Newswire.com) - Three female northern hairy-nosed wombats have started new lives near St George in southern Queensland.
Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Kate Jones said the females had joined six others this week at the wombat colony being established at Richard Underwood Nature Refuge at Yarran Downs.
“One is a young wombat that was found malnourished last year at Epping Forest National Park and has been nursed back to good health,” Ms Jones said.
“Along with two females trapped at Epping Forest in the past week, she was flown to Richard Underwood Nature Refuge to boost the new colony.
“The colony now has seven females and two males.
“A great season means conditions are very favourable for both the colony at Richard Underwood Nature Refuge and the population at Epping Forest, with lots of feed available.
“Each wombat has a different personality, but we’re hoping these three females will settle in nicely and help build a stronger future for this rare species.”
Ms Jones said the young wombat would be closely monitored while she became accustomed to her new home.
“The wombat was initially placed in a separate air-conditioned hut within the smaller enclosure but chose to spend her first night in one of the starter burrows,” Ms Jones said.
“She has started digging a burrow for herself in the enclosure, which is a very good sign.
“Our officers monitor the colony using cameras and, like some of the other wombats in the colony, the new arrival will have a radio collar so we can monitor her moves.
“When she’s ready, the gate to the nature refuge will be opened and she will be able to join the other wombats in the refuge, which itself is protected by a high fence to keep out predators.
“The other two females have been released into starter burrows.”
Ms Jones said the population of northern hairy-nosed wombats was estimated to be as low as 138, making the species more endangered than the Sumatran tiger and China’s giant panda.
“It was critical that we established a second home to ensure the wombats’ survival and to protect the species from a catastrophic event such as flood or fire,” Ms Jones said.
“The first group of northern hairy-nosed wombats was re-introduced to the Richard Underwood Nature Refuge in July 2009.
“Up to 12 more northern hairy-nosed wombats may be re-introduced to the second colony as part of this year’s program.
“This is about protecting this incredible species from extinction.”
Corporate partner Xstrata has provided $3 million over three years to help DERM set up the new site.
Media Contact: 3239 0818
Published by:
Release Date
This story was released on 2010-08-16. Please make sure to visit the official company or organization web site to learn more about the original release date. See our disclaimer for additional information.
