southern hairy-nosed wombat

The southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) is one of three species of large, terrestrial marsupials native to Australia, belonging to the family Vombatidae. These wombats are known for their heavily built, burrowing nature, with small eyes and short ears. Unlike the common wombat, hairy-nosed wombats have silky fur, pointed ears, and a nose that is entirely covered in hair, lacking a bald pad.1

The southern hairy-nosed wombat is smaller than the common wombat and primarily inhabits semiarid regions of South Australia, extending into Western Australia. They are more social than common wombats, sharing large underground burrows with several other individuals. These wombats are strictly herbivorous, feeding on grasses and the inner bark of roots. They possess continuously growing, rootless teeth adapted for a tough diet, similar to rodents, and typically give birth to a single young at a time, which develops in a rear-opening pouch.1