The Common Wombat is the largest burrowing marsupial in Australia. Three subspecies of Common Wombat are found throughout Australia. Vombatus ursinus ursinus, the subspecies present on Maria Island, is the smaller subspecies and contains lighter fur compared to mainland Australian and Tasmanian subspecies. Once present throughout the Bass Strait Islands, this subspecies only remains on two islands there: Maria Island and Flinders Island.

The Common Wombat population on Maria Island is not effected by Wombat Mange, a disease caused by a patristic mite, while all other populations are, including that on Flinders Island. Wombat Mange has effected Wombats in Australia for over 100 years and has dramatically decreased their populations in some areas. The discovery of Wombats not affected by Wombat Mange is a great sign for the species!

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species considers the Common Wombat, Vombatus ursinus, to be of Least Concern, while the subspecies of Maria Island is listed as Vulnerable.

Links:
Common Wombat subspecies: [ Ссылка ]
Maria Island NP website: [ Ссылка ]
Wombat Mange: [ Ссылка ]
Population & Conservation Status: [ Ссылка ]
Common Wombat Infographic: [ Ссылка ]
IUCN Red List: [ Ссылка ]

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